Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday urged French election winner Emmanuel Macron to bridge deep rifts and work together in the face of the “growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism”.

“The citizens of France entrusted you to lead the country in a difficult period for Europe and for the entire world community. The growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism is accompanied by an escalation of local conflicts and the destabilization of entire regions,” Putin said in a congratulatory telegram released by the Kremlin.

“In these conditions it is especially important to overcome mutual distrust and join forces to ensure international stability and security,” it said.

The Kremlin statement said Putin “confirmed his readiness for constructive joint work on current bilateral, regional and global issues, expressing certainty that this would be in the fundamental interests of the Russian and French people.”

“Putin also wished Macron strong health, prosperity and success in such a responsible position at the head of state,” it said.

Source: AFP