Mr Macron addressed the European Court of Human Rights for the first time on Tuesday.
During the speech, he promoted “European values” which he believes should influence policy with Russia.
He said: “We should conduct an intensive dialogue with Russia despite the existing problems. It will be more correct than to shut the door.
“France is conducting such a dialogue and it will go ahead with it.”
He also said Europe should follow the same policy towards Turkey.
Mr Macron added: “The future of both countries is linked with Europe.
“But one should refrain from attempts to lecture others.”
Mr Macron has become the first French President to address the ECHR board with a policy speech.
The French leader defended his new counterterrorism law against critics who say it impedes liberty.
Mr Macron said the law “protects our citizens and human rights as well”.
Human rights groups fear it could damage liberty, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion, permanently.
The law comes into effect Wednesday to replace the state of emergency that has been in place since the Paris terror attacks in November 2015.
The law gives authorities more power to conduct searches, close religious facilities and restrict the movements of people suspected of “extremist” ties.
The Remainer defended the 58-year-old European court whose rulings have been strongly criticised by some of its 47 member states, such as Britain, Russia and Turkey.
He also claimed it was vital to prevent the “horrors” of WWII being repeated.
He said: “The European Court is a unique organisation created for preventing a relapse of the horrors humanity experienced during World War II.”
French president Macron outlined his vision for post-Brexit Europe during a speech at the Sorbonne in early September.
He called for the creation of a “joint intervention force” and a common doctrine for action.
However, Mr Macron’s plans for European reform could soon be sidestepped as he faces growing turmoil at home.
Latest polls show the French leader scraped a 42 per cent approval rating, down 20 point since his victory against Front National’s Marine Le Pen in May 2017.
Mr Macron’s approval rating has crashed because of his controversial reform agenda and planned budget cuts, including his plans to reform France’s strict labour code and scrap the wealth tax.