TOKYO, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday congratulated Emmanuel Macron for winning France's presidential election.

In a message delivered to Macron but also to the press here, Abe said that Macron's win was a "symbolic victory" against protectionist moves.

The Japanese leader added that the victory for the pro-European Union centrist was an endorsement for the European Union.

Abe also said that he wished to work together with Macron to face the continued challenges currently confronting the world.

"I want to work together with you for world peace and prosperity at a time of continued challenges to the international order," Abe said in his message.

Abe added that he is looking forward to meeting Macron later this month in Italy at a meeting of the Group of Seven major industrialized nations.

Following the first round of voting in France last month, Macron defeated Marine Le Pen, known for her far-right leanings and for being a eurosceptic, by a comfortable margin in a runoff on Sunday.