NEW YORK (TIP): The reaction of world leaders has been a mixed one. They were pleased and shocked at Donald Trump‘s stunning victory over Hillary Clinton, to become the 45th President of America. Major world leaders, many of whom had publicly criticized Trump, however, expressed their wish to work with him.
India‘s Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his thanks to Trump for “the friendship hearticulated towards India” during his campaign. “We appreciate the friendship you have articulated towards India during your campaign”, tweeted Modi.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “We look forward to working very closely with President-elect Trump, his administration, and with the United States Congress in the years ahead.”
Congratulating Trump, U.K.’s Prime Minister Theresa May said she looked forward to working with him. “Britain and the United States have an enduring and special relationship based on the values of freedom, democracy and enterprise. We are, and will remain, strong and close partners on trade, security and defense.
Australia‘s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbulltook to twitter to express hopes of a strong relationship to continue. “The Aus Gvt congratulates President Elect Trump. With our shared, enduring national interests, our relationship will continue to be strong.”
Russia‘s President Vladimir Putin reportedly “expressed confidence that the dialogue between Moscow and Washington, in keeping with each other’s views, meets the interests of both Russia and the U.S.,” Russia Today reported.
Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly phoned Trump to congratulate him. “I place great importance on the China-U.S. relationship, and look forward to working with you to uphold the principles of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation,” Jinping said, according to Fortune.
On a different note, French President Francois Hollande, whohad openly endorsed Hillary Clinton, said Trump’s victory marks the start of “a period of uncertainty.” “This new context requires that France be strong,” he said, in a televised address. “What is at stake is peace, the fight against terrorism, the Middle East and the preservation of the planet.”
Describing Germany‘s partnership with the U.S. as “a foundation stone of German foreign policy”, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has offered Trump “close cooperation” on the basis of shared trans-Atlantic values that she says include respect for human dignity regardless of people’s origin, gender or religion.
Scotland‘s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon released a statement saying that while the election did not have the outcome she hoped for, “it is the verdict of the American people and we must respect it”.”The ties that bind Scotland and the U.S. – of family, culture and business – are deep and longstanding and they will always endure.”
Calling Trump a “True friend of the State of Israel” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “I am confident that president-elect Trump and I will continue to strengthen the unique alliance between our two countries and bring it to ever greater heights.”
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said in a statement that he “Congratulates the elected American president, Donald Trump, and hopes that peace will be achieved during his term”.
Iran‘s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarifwas quoted by media as saying that any US president “Should have a correct understanding of realities of the world and our region and face them realistically.”
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, “As a very successful businessman with extraordinary talents, you not only made a great contribution to the growth of the US economy, but now as a strong leader, you have demonstrated your determination to lead the United States.”
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, “In the aftermath of a hard-fought and often divisive campaign, it is worth recalling and reaffirming that the unity in diversity of the United States is one of the country’s greatest strengths. I encourage all Americans to stay true to that spirit.”
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said, “It is important that the Transatlantic bond remains strong” and that “US leadership is as important as ever.”
European Union Council President Donald Tusk and his Commission counterpart Jean-Claude Juncker said that, despite Trump’s campaign talk of protectionism and isolationism, both sides “should consolidate the bridges we have been building across the Atlantic.” They have also invited Trump to visit the 28-nation bloc to assess transatlantic ties.