World leaders rushed to congratulate Donald Trump as he claimed a surprising victory in the US election over Kamala Harris, while financial markets also rose.
Here are the initial reactions, with the presidential election result yet to be confirmed:
– China: ‘mutual respect’ –
Without directly naming Trump, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a regular briefing that China hopes for “peaceful coexistence” with the United States.
“We will continue to approach and manage China-US relations based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation,” she stated. “We respect the choice of the American people.”
– Russia: will judge ‘concrete steps’ –
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that President Vladimir Putin had no plans to congratulate Trump, stating that the US is an “unfriendly country.”
“We will draw conclusions based on concrete steps and concrete words,” Peskov noted.
– Israel: ‘powerful recommitment’ –
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Trump’s likely victory signalled a new beginning for US-Israel relations.
“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your return to the White House offers a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory!” Netanyahu said in a statement.
– Ukraine: hopes ‘just peace’ closer –
President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Trump on his “impressive victory” and expressed hope that his presidency would bring a “just peace in Ukraine closer.”
“I value President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs. This principle can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer,” Zelensky said in a social media statement.
– NATO: ‘peace through strength’ –
NATO chief Mark Rutte congratulated Trump, saying his return would reinforce the alliance.
“His leadership will again be key to keeping our Alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through NATO,” Rutte commented.
– Nigeria to strengthen US-Nigeria relations –
President Bola Tinubu extended his heartfelt congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States.
A statement from Tinubu’s Special Adviser (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday stated that President Tinubu looks forward to strengthening US-Nigeria relations in light of today’s complex challenges and opportunities.
President Tinubu remarked, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that impact our citizens.”
According to Tinubu, Trump’s win reflects the American people’s trust and confidence in his leadership and their commitment to democracy.
– EU: ‘strong transatlantic agenda’ –
European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X: “I warmly congratulate Donald J. Trump. The EU and the US are more than just allies. We are bound by a partnership uniting 800 million citizens. Let’s work together on a strong transatlantic agenda that delivers for them.”
– France: ‘respect and ambition’ –
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated “President Donald Trump”, stating that he is ready to work “with respect and ambition” as they did during Trump’s previous term.
On X, Macron said their relationship would “consider your convictions, and mine”, adding, “For more peace and prosperity.”
– Germany: will remain ‘reliable ally’ –
Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulated Trump, assuring him that Berlin would continue working for “prosperity and freedom” alongside the US.
“Germany and the USA have a long history of successful cooperation for the benefit of our citizens. We will continue to do so.”
– Qatar: ‘security and stability’ –
Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, whose Gulf monarchy is a key mediator in the Gaza conflict and hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East, expressed eagerness to work together again to “promote security and stability both regionally and globally.”
– Turkey: ‘my friend’ Trump –
Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated “my friend Donald Trump” on X, saying he hoped for strengthened Turkey-US relations and an end to global crises, particularly the Palestinian and Russia-Ukraine conflicts.
– Egypt: ‘reaching peace’ –
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi congratulated Trump and expressed hope that his return to the White House could help bring Middle Eastern peace.
“I wish him all the success… and I look forward to reaching peace together, supporting regional stability, and enhancing the strategic partnership between Egypt and the US.”
– India: ‘heartiest congratulations’ –
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Trump’s “election victory.”
“Heartiest congratulations my friend @realDonaldTrump on your historic win,” Modi wrote on X. “As you build on your previous term’s successes, I look forward to renewing our collaboration.”
– South Korea: ‘alliance to shine brighter’ –
President Yoon Suk Yeol congratulated Trump, saying, “under your strong leadership, the future of the ROK-US alliance and America will shine brighter.”
– Italy: ‘sincere congratulations’ –
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offered her “sincere congratulations” on X, calling the US and Italy “sister nations, linked by an unshakeable alliance” which she expected would now grow even stronger.
