Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has congratulated French President Emmanuel Macron on his re-election, pointing to a "strong and close" friendship between France and New Zealand.
Macron defeated his far-right rival Marine Le Pen yesterday receiving 58.6 percent of the votes, Le Pen 41.4 percent.
"I congratulate President Macron on his re-election and look forward to the continuation of a strong and close friendship between France and New Zealand," Ardern said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the work she has done with Macron on the Christchurch Call against online violent extremism.
"This work will continue," she said. "Strengthening trade ties and the ongoing response to the invasion of Ukraine will be priorities in the bilateral relationship going forward."
Reuters reports Macron's supporters erupted with joy as the results appeared on a giant screen at a park near the Eiffel Tower on Sunday (local time).
In Macron's victory speech, he acknowledged that some had only voted for him to keep Le Pen out.
"Many in this country voted for me not because they support my ideas but to keep out those of the far-right. I want to thank them and I know I owe them a debt in the years to come."
He later promised to address the complaints of many French people that living standards are slipping.
