French President calls Imran Khan to congratulate him on election victory

French President Emmanuel Macron telephoned newly-elected Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and congratulated him on his party's victory in the general elections.

During the telephone call Thursday evening, Macron congratulated Khan for assuming the office of the prime minister, said a statement issued by the PM Office.

Prime Minister Khan thanked Macron for his call and expressed the desire for further developing bilateral relations with France into a mutually beneficial, broad-based and long-term partnership.

He also briefed the French President on the regional situation, especially the importance of a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan, and on Pakistan's relations with India.

"He (Khan) underscored the need for the resumption of the comprehensive dialogue with India to address all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute," the statement said.

The ties between the two Asian neighbours had strained after the terror attacks in India by Pakistan-based groups in 2016.

Prime Minister Khan also invited President Macron to visit Pakistan, which the French leader accepted.