PARIS, March 19 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday wished Russian President-elect Vladimir Putin success in modernizing Russia, noting that it is essential to maintain ties and "constructive dialogue" with Russia despite differences.

"In the name of France, the French president offered Russia and the Russian people his wishes for success with the modernization of the country on the political, democratic, economic and social fronts," Macron's office said in a statement.

"The French president underlined his conviction that cooperation between Europe and Russia is essential for the security of the European continent and in the interests of our countries," the statement added.

During a telephone conversation, Macron urged Putin to make his best efforts to halt the fighting and stop civilian casualties in Syria.

According to the statement, Macron also called on Russia to clarify its alleged role, which was claimed by London but denied by Moscow, in the poisoning of a former Russian spy and his daughter in England.