PARIS: Politicians worldwide took stock Wednesday of Donald Trump’s shock US election victory, with the president-elect winning praise from far-right figures and a cautious welcome from key US allies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin: “Russia is ready and wants to restore full-fledged relations with the US… We understand that this will not be an easy path considering the unfortunate degradation of relations.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel referenced some of his most controversial remarks in reminding Trump of his responsibilities: “Germany and America share the values of democracy, freedom, respect for the rule of law and human dignity, regardless of origin, skin colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or political belief.”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: “US leadership is as important as ever. A strong NATO is good for the United States, and good for Europe.”
European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker: “Today, it is more important than ever to strengthen transatlantic relations.”
British Prime Minister Theresa May: “Britain and the United States have an enduring and special relationship based on the values of freedom, democracy and enterprise… I look forward to working with President-elect Donald Trump, building on these ties to ensure the security and prosperity of our nations.”
French President Francois Hollande said Trump’s win opened a “period of uncertainty” and called for Europe to remain “united”.
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim: “We hope our alliance with the United States will continue and that our partnership and relationships will develop.”
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin: “May the Lord enlighten and support him (Trump) in serving his country, naturally, but also in serving peace and the wellbeing of the world.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who heads a rightwing coalition with a strong anti-immigration stance: “Congratulations. What great news. Democracy is still alive.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country has “no closer friend, partner, and ally than the United States.”
He looked forward to working with Trump on “trade, investment and international peace and security.”
Despite his country’s strained relations with Trump, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto insisted “Mexico and the US are friends, partners and allies.”
Brazil’s President Michel Temer cautioned that Trump “will have to take into account the aspirations of all the American people.”
Argentina’s Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra congratulated Trump but cautioned his victory would mean an “adjustment” of the countries’ relations.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos hoped his country and the United States would remain “strategic allies.”
Bolivia’s leftist President Evo Morales pointedly said he wanted to work with Trump “against racism, sexism and anti-immigrant sentiment.”
Cuba said President Raul Castro sent Trump his congratulations. But the communist government also announced military exercises for November 16 to 18 to prepare against “the enemy.”
China’s President Xi Jinping focused on strengthening ties: “I highly value China-US relations, and look forward to working together with you, and holding fast to mutual respect and non-conflict, non-confrontation.”
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe offered “heartfelt congratulations” adding: “Japan and the United States are unshakeable allies connected by common values such as freedom, democracy, basic human rights and rule of law.”
South Korean President Park Geun-Hye said Seoul and Washington’s coordinated policy of pressuring North Korea must remain “unaffected under the new US administration.”
Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid called for Trump to pull all US troops out of Afghanistan, saying the war had “failed” and harmed the US “both militarily and economically.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif: “The most important thing is that the future US president sticks to agreements, to engagements undertaken.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “President-elect Trump is a true friend of the state of Israel, and I look forward to working with him to advance security, stability and peace in our region.”
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas: “We are ready to deal with the elected president on the basis of a two-state solution and to establish a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.”
Saudi King Salman told Trump he wished him “success in your mission to achieve security and stability in the Middle East and worldwide.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said he “congratulates American citizens on the outcome of the election, which was keenly observed by all true lovers of democracy.” -AFP