Labor congratulates Emmanuel Macron on his election as President of the Republic of France.

President-elect Macron’s emphatic victory is a vote for a tolerant and inclusive France, and a rejection of the forces of division and fear.

As the youngest French President in over 200 years, and the first from outside the two major parties since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958, President-elect Macron also represents a decisive change in French politics.

Australia enjoys close relations with France, underpinned by a shared sacrifice in two World Wars.  

Today we continue to share strong diplomatic links and work together through global forums such as the G20 and the Asia-Europe Meeting. Australia also served alongside France on the UN Security Council in 2013-2014.

Trade and investment links between our two countries are substantial with two way trade valued at $5.6 billion and set to grow strongly following the successful bid by French company DCNS to build Australia’s next generation of submarines in Adelaide.

Labor also thanks outgoing President Francois Hollande for his commitment to furthering the warm and close bilateral relationship between our two countries, highlighted by his 2014 visit, the first by a French President to Australia.

MONDAY, 8 MAY 2017