UAE leaders look forward to enhancing ties with France during president’s second term
Arab leaders have congratulated Emmanuel Macron on winning a second five-year term as France’s president.
Mr Macron, a centrist, defeated far-right candidate Marine Le Pen with 58.55 per cent of the vote on Sunday evening, according to figures released by the French Interior Ministry.
The President, Sheikh Khalifa, wished Mr Macron “continued success in achieving more progress and prosperity”.
“He stressed the UAE’s keenness to continue developing relations in various fields for the common good and interest of their peoples,” state news agency Wam reported.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said he looked forward to enhancing Emirati-French ties.
He offered his congratulations to Mr Macron and extended his “sincere wishes” from the Emirates to France.
“Together, we look forward to consolidating our strategic partnership and promoting new opportunities for joint co-operation,” Sheikh Mohamed said.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi wished Mr Macron continued success.
“I congratulate French President Emmanuel Macron on winning a new presidential term, wishing him continued success in leading his country to further progress and prosperity,” he tweeted.
“Egyptian-French relations are enhancing and we look forward to continuing consultations and mutual co-ordination on a number of regional and international issues of common interest.”
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent his congratulations to Mr Macron. “The Crown Prince expressed his sincere congratulations to President Macron on being re-elected for a new presidential term, wishing him every success and the friendly people of France further progress and prosperity,” Saudi Arabia’s state news agency, SPA, reported.
The leaders of India and the US welcomed Mr Macron winning a mandate to continue as leader of Europe’s second largest economy.
“I look forward to continue working together to deepen the India-France Strategic Partnership,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
US President Joe Biden said he welcomed the opportunity to continue working with the French leader on the issues faced by the world.
“France is our oldest ally and a key partner in addressing global challenges,” Mr Biden said on Twitter.
“I look forward to our continued close co-operation – including on supporting Ukraine, defending democracy and countering climate change.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also congratulated Mr Macron on his victory in the election.
“We look forward to continuing close co-operation with France on global challenges, underpinning our long and enduring alliance and friendship,” he said.