World leaders express hope

Leaders from around the world reacted to Donald Trump's return this week to the White House, offering congratulations and urging good relations with the Republican leader. Here are some of the first reactions after Trump took the oath of office for a second term...

 

NARENDRA MODI, INDIAN PRIME MINISTER

"I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries and to shape a better future for the world. Best wishes for a successful term ahead!"

 

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau met President Donald Trump at the latter's Mar-a-Lago estate last year. (Photo courtesy: X@JustinTrudeau)

JUSTIN TRUDEAU, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER

"Congratulations, President Trump. Canada and the US have the world’s most successful economic partnership. We have the chance to work together again — to create more jobs and prosperity for both our nations."

 

(Photo courtesy: Volodymyr Zelenskyy/Facebook)

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT

"President Trump is always decisive, and the peace through strength policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is the top priority."

 

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu with President Donald Trump at the Ben Gurion airport in 2017. (Photo courtesy: Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Israel)

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER

"I believe that working together again we will raise the U.S.-Israel alliance to even greater heights. On behalf of the people of Israel, I also want to thank you for your efforts in helping free Israeli hostages. I look forward to working with you to return the remaining hostages, to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities and end its political rule in Gaza, and to ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel."

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump at the 2017 G-20 Hamburg Summit. (Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

VLADIMIR PUTIN, RUSSIAN PRESIDENT

“The goal should not be a brief truce but a lasting peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people."

 

KEIR STARMER, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER

"For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation and enduring partnership ... Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity. With President Trump's longstanding affection and historical ties to the United Kingdom, I know that depth of friendship will continue."

 

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni conveyed her best wishes to President Donald Trump. (Photo courtesy: X@GiorgiaMeloni)

GIORGIA MELONI, ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER

"I am certain that the friendship between our nations and the values that unite us will continue to strengthen the cooperation between Italy and the USA ... Italy will always be committed to consolidating the dialogue between the United States and Europe, as an essential pillar for the stability and growth of our communities."

 

OLAF SCHOLZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR

"Today President Donald Trump takes office. Congratulations! The US is our closest ally and the aim of our policy is always a good transatlantic relationship. The EU, with 27 members and more than 400 million people, is a strong union."

TAYYIP ERDOGAN, TURKISH PRESIDENT

"Since Trump repeatedly said he would end the Russia-Ukraine war, we as Turkey will do whatever necessary in this regard. We need to resolve this issue as soon as possible. This issue will be on our agenda with our talks with Mr. Trump, and we would take our steps accordingly. I wish Mr Trump's second term would bring good for all humanity."