Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese congratulate Emmanuel Macron on re-election as French president

They may have had a frosty relationship, but Scott Morrison has sent a message to Emmanuel Macron after he was returned as French president.

Scott Morrison has congratulated Emmanuel Macron on becoming the first French president to be re-elected for a second term of office in 20 years.

The pair have had a tense relationship after Mr Macron last year accused the Australian Prime Minister of lying to him over the $90bn submarine contract that was ripped up in favour of the AUKUS pact with the US and UK.

But on Monday Mr Morrison tweeted his congratulations to Mr Macron, who will serve as French president for another five years after defeating his far-right rival Marine Le Pen.

“Congratulations Emmanuel Macron on your re-election as President,” Mr Morrison tweeted.

“Another great expression of liberal democracy in action in uncertain times.

“We wish you & France every success, in particular your leadership in Europe and as an important partner to Australia in the Indo-Pacific.”

Shortly after, Mr Albanese also tweeted to Mr Macron over the win.

“Congratulations President @EmmanuelMacron on your re-election,” he wrote from Covid-induced isolation.

Scott Morrison and French President Emmanuel Macron have had a tense relationship after the scrapping of a submarine deal between the two nations. Picture: Adam Taylor

“France has long stood tall as a beacon of liberty and democracy.

“That will continue with your leadership, as will our two nations’ friendship. It was forged in war, and I know it has a bright future.”

Labor deputy leader Richard Marles had earlier spoken about the importance of Australia’s relationship with France.

“France is our neighbour, France is a Pacific country, and as such, France matters deeply to Australia,” he told media in Darwin.

“It is a profoundly important relationship in Australia’s world view, and we certainly look forward to working with President Macron as he leads France over the coming years.”

Mr Macron has received about 58 per cent of the vote, winning by a comfortable margin.

But about five years ago he received about 66 per cent of the vote compared with Ms Le Pen’s 33 per cent.

Scott Morrison tweeted his congratulations to Mr Macron. Picture: Adam Taylor/PMO

“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 know I owe them a debt in the years to come,” Mr Macron said in his victory speech.

“No one in France will be left by the wayside.”

Last year France described Australia’s ditching of a multi-billion dollar submarine deal in favour of the AUKUS pact as a “stab in the back”.

Mr Macron and his wife Brigitte. Picture: Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images

Later Mr Macron was asked by reporters at the G20 summit in Rome whether he believed Mr Morrison had lied to him over the secret arrangements regarding nuclear submarines with the US and UK.

He responded: “I don’t think, I know.”