World leaders swiftly extended their congratulations to Donald Trump on Wednesday following his remarkable victory in the US elections against Kamala Harris.
European leaders, in particular, were prompt in offering their best wishes and proposals for collaboration, a stark contrast to the more reserved responses observed after Trump’s initial victory in 2016.
Notably, Russia’s reaction was an exception; the foreign ministry issued a cool statement regarding the election results, indicating that President Vladimir Putin would not be extending any congratulations.
Below are the reactions from Wednesday, many of which were articulated even before the election results were officially confirmed:
China: ‘mutual respect‘
While refraining from directly naming Trump, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning expressed during a regular briefing that China aspires for “peaceful coexistence” with the United States.
The approach to China-US relations will remain grounded in the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, as stated by the representative.
Russia: ‘no misconceptions’
The Russian foreign ministry expressed that it holds no misconceptions regarding the American President-elect, indicating a willingness to collaborate with the new US administration while emphasizing the importance of achieving its objectives in Ukraine. The ministry reiterated that its conditions for resolving the conflict remain unchanged and are well understood in Washington.
Israel: ‘strong reaffirmation’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized Trump’s election as “the greatest comeback in history” and a “new chapter for America, signifying a strong reaffirmation of the enduring alliance between Israel and the United States.”
Ukraine: aspirations for ‘just peace’ nearer
President Volodymyr Zelensky extended his congratulations to Donald Trump on his “remarkable victory,” expressing hope that his presidency would bring a “just peace in Ukraine” closer to realization.
“I value President Trump’s dedication to the ‘peace through strength’ strategy in international relations,” Zelensky remarked on social media.
NATO: ‘strength through peace’
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that Trump’s return to leadership would bolster the alliance’s strength.
“His leadership will once again be crucial in maintaining the strength of our Alliance. I anticipate collaborating with him to promote peace through strength within NATO,” Rutte noted in a statement.
EU: ‘robust transatlantic agenda’
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Donald J. Trump,” wrote European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen on X. “We share a genuine partnership among our citizens, uniting 800 million individuals. Let us collaborate on a robust transatlantic agenda that continues to benefit them.”
United Nations: ‘constructive collaboration’
The UN is “prepared to engage constructively with the incoming administration to tackle the significant challenges facing our world,” stated Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Britain: ‘historic electoral success’
Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated the 78-year-old on his “historic electoral success.”
The UK-US special relationship is poised to thrive across various domains, including growth, security, innovation, and technology, ensuring mutual benefits for both nations across the Atlantic.
France: ‘respect and ambition’
French President Emmanuel Macron extended his congratulations to “President Donald Trump,” expressing his willingness to collaborate “with respect and ambition,” similar to their previous four years of partnership.
In a message on X, Macron emphasized that the relationship with Trump would consider both their convictions, stating: “For greater peace and prosperity.”
Germany: ‘better off together’
Chancellor Olaf Scholz remarked to Trump that “we’re better off together.”
He noted in a media statement that “both sides gain from the transatlantic partnership,” highlighting that the EU and the USA represent two comparably large economic regions, interconnected by the strongest economic ties globally.
Mexico: ‘no concern’
President Claudia Sheinbaum remarked that Trump’s electoral victory posed “no cause for concern,” despite his previous threats regarding tariffs and mass deportations of migrants.
Brazil: ‘prosperity and collaboration’
Leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva extended his congratulations to Trump, expressing his hopes for “prosperity and collaboration.” He emphasized the necessity for global dialogue and cooperative efforts to foster peace, development, and prosperity.
Japan: ‘enhanced partnership’
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba conveyed to reporters his aspiration to collaborate closely with Mr. Trump to elevate the Japan-US alliance and relationship to enhanced levels.
South Africa: ‘mutually beneficial cooperation’
President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose nation is set to assume the G20 presidency next year, communicated to Trump his eagerness to “continue the close and mutually beneficial cooperation between our two nations across all areas of engagement.”
Saudi Arabia: ‘strengthening ties’
King Salman of Saudi Arabia, along with his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, sent messages to Trump, with the king praising “the strengthening ties between our two friendly nations and peoples, which we all aim to enhance across various sectors,” as reported by the official Saudi Press Agency.
Qatar: ‘promoting stability’
Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, whose Gulf monarchy plays a significant role in mediating the Gaza conflict and hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East, expressed his anticipation for “collaborating once more to promote stability and security both regionally and globally.”
Turkey: ‘my friend’ Donald Trump
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated “my friend Donald Trump,” expressing his hope that Turkey-US relations will be fortified and that regional and global conflicts, particularly the Palestinian issue and the Russia-Ukraine war, will be resolved.
Nigeria: ‘confidence in leadership’
President Bola Tinubu remarked that Trump’s victory signifies the trust and confidence that the American populace has placed in his leadership.
A statement from his office indicated, “Together, we can enhance economic collaboration, promote peace, and tackle global challenges that impact our citizens.”
Egypt: ‘aspiring for peace’
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi expressed optimism that Trump’s return to the presidency could facilitate peace in the Middle East.
“I wish him every success and anticipate that we can achieve peace together, maintain regional stability, and reinforce the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States,” Sisi remarked in a statement.
India: ‘warmest congratulations’
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated what he termed a “historic electoral victory,” extending his “warmest congratulations” to Trump and referring to him as “my friend.”
“As you build upon the achievements of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our partnership,” he stated.
South Korea: ‘a brighter alliance ahead’
President Yoon Suk Yeol congratulated Trump, asserting that “under your strong leadership, the future of the ROK-U.S. alliance and America will shine even brighter. I look forward to collaborating closely with you.”
Taiwan: ‘heartfelt congratulations’
President Lai Ching-te expressed confidence that US-Taiwan relations would continue to “serve as a cornerstone for regional stability.”
“Heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Trump on your victory,” Lai posted on X.
Italy: ‘genuine congratulations’
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also congratulated Trump, emphasizing the strong ties between their nations.
“Italy and the United States are ‘sister’ nations, bound by an unbreakable alliance,” she stated.
Hungary: ‘remarkable comeback’
Prime Minister Viktor Orban, one of Trump’s staunchest allies in Europe, described the outcome as “perhaps the most remarkable comeback in Western political history.”
“They threatened him with imprisonment, seized his assets, attempted to harm him, and the entire media landscape in the US turned against him, yet he prevailed,” he wrote on Facebook.
