Washington/London : World leaders, on Wednesday, reacted with caution to Donald Trump’s jaw-dropping victory in the US presidential election, with some of them reminding him of the democratic values and the global responsibility he carries.
French President Francois Hollande, who had earlier said Trump made him want to retch, expressed his reservations over his victory, saying, “This American election opens a period of uncertainty,” in a statement that offered only brief congratulations to the controversial billionaire.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, “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. On the basis of these values, I offer close cooperation to the future president of the United States of America, Donald Trump.”
US close ally and British Prime Minister Theresa May lauded Trump’s victory, saying the two countries had an “enduring and special relationship” and would remain “close partners” in trade, security and defence. “I would like to congratulate Donald Trump on being elected the next US president following a hard-fought campaign. Britain and the United States have an enduring and special relationship based on values of freedom, democracy and enterprise,” May said in a statement issued by Downing Street.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent the winner a telegram to congratulate him and said Moscow is “ready to do our part and do everything to return relations to the trajectory of development”. Putin “expressed hope for mutual work on bringing US- Russia relations out of their critical condition as well as on working out outstanding issues on the international agenda” in his congratulatory telegram, the Kremlin said.
China’s President Xi Jinping congratulated Trump and said he looked forward to working with him, state broadcaster CCTV reported. “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,” the channel cited Xi as sayin. During the campaign, Trump had accused China of snatching the jobs of the Americans. –PTI
Vladimir Putin @PutinRF_Eng
Congratulations to Donald Trump on winning the #US presidential election
Narendra Modi @narendramodi Congratulation on being elected as the 45th US President. We appreciate the friendship you have articulated towards India during your campaign, @realDonaldTrump.
Tony Abbott @TonyAbbottMHR
US should continue to have no better friend than Australia.
Sam Sanders @samsanders
8 years ago, America elected its 1st Black president. Today, it elected a candidate endorsed by the KKK.
David Schneider @davidschneider
Well, at least now the UK no longer holds the award for craziest, most self-harming hit-yourself-in-the-face nation. #USElection2016
Jesse Tyler Ferguson @jessetyler
I wonder if he still thinks the system is rigged.
Jessica Chastain @jes_chastain
The positive element from all this is that we can no longer pretend that we are free of racism & sexism. The question is, what do we do now?
Chris Evans @ChrisEvans
This is an embarrassing night for America. We’ve let a hatemonger lead our great nation. We’ve let a bully set our course. I’m devastated.
Joshua Malina @JoshMalina
Right now I envision Donald Trump googling “What does the U.S. President do?”
Kal Penn @kalpenn
Stop it with the moving to Canada shit. Double down on the country we love.