by Maria Spiliopoulou
ATHENS, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos on Monday congratulated Emmanuel Macron for winning Sunday's French presidential elections.
"I wholeheartedly extend to you my warmest and most sincere congratulations for your election to the Presidency of the French Republic," Pavlopoulos wrote in a message to Macron, according to an e-mailed statement released by his office.
"Your election showcases the firm decision of the French peoples to continue on the pro-European course," the Greek president added.
Pavlopoulos also expressed certainty that bilateral collaboration during Macron's term in office will continue to be excellent to the benefits of Greece and France, as well as Europe and the world.
Earlier, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had also welcomed Macron's victory as a reprieve to France and Europe.
"The victory of Emmanuel Macron offers a breather for France and the whole of Europe. I'm certain we will work closely to change Europe's course and inspire its peoples again, so that we cannot relive the nightmare of the extreme-right," the Greek prime minister tweeted.
Several Greek opposition parties also issued similar announcements, welcoming Macron's victory as a defeat of the forces of populism and nationalist isolationism.
