Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks out on daughter Katherine's engagement to Chris Pratt for the first time

Arnold Schwarzenegger could not be happier for his daughter, Katherine, 29, following her engagement to Chris Pratt, 39.

The former governor of California, 71, sat down with Mario Lopez on "Extra" this week, where he spoke out about the exciting news for the first time, just over two weeks after Pratt revealed that he popped the question.

"Thank you very much," Arnold said after Lopez congratulated him. "That was really fantastic. She is so happy, they both are so happy."

SEE ALSO: Katherine Schwarzenegger totally predicted her relationship with Chris Pratt

"As I said to him, he is such a likable guy," he added. "I love Chris -- he's fantastic."

Lopez noted that Pratt had reportedly asked for Arnold and ex-wife Maria Shriver's permission to propose to their daughter, and Arnold seemingly confirmed the reports.

"He did it the traditional way," he went on. "He's a wonderful guy. They both look great together, and they're really happy together, so I wish them the best of luck."

Arnold breaking his silence on the engagement news follows Shriver's almost immediate comment on Pratt's Instagram post that announced his proposal.

"Congratulations to two loving kind caring thoughtful Spiritual people," Shriver wrote at the time. "We are so happy for you you are blessed as is everyone who knows you yes let's go."

Katherine's younger brother, Patrick, 25, also commented on Pratt's post, saying, "Love you brother."

Pratt revealed the news on social media with a photo that showed him kissing Katherine as she embraces him, with her new engagement ring firmly on display.

"Sweet Katherine, so happy you said yes! I’m thrilled to be marrying you," he captioned the snap. "Proud to live boldly in faith with you. Here we go!"

Despite the fact that the couple has been together for less than a year, their decision to take the next step in their relationship together reportedly didn't come as a surprise to any of their loved ones.

SEE ALSO: Arnold Schwarzenegger fanned out over Chris Pratt years ago

"Chris has been very straightforward about his intentions from the beginning," a source told People last month. "Over the last few months, he's been bonding with all of Katherine's siblings, and it was clear to her entire family they would get married."

Not only that, but the Schwarzenegger and Shriver crew has welcomed Chris into their inner circle with open arms from the very beginning.

"They are a very tight-knit crew -- and they love that Chris is a good-hearted, family-oriented person," another insider told People. "From the beginning, Chris has been part of the family activities and dinners at Maria's home -- he dotes on Katherine."

Another person who approves of the courtship? Chris Pratt's ex-wife, Anna Faris, who is also the mother to his only child, Jack, 6.

When he posted the news on Instagram, she commented, "I'm so happy for you both!! Congratulations!"