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PARIS: Donald Trump’s extraordinary election victory sent shockwaves across the world on Wednesday, as opponents braced for a “dangerous” leader in the White House while America’s allies put a brave face on the outcome of a divisive presidential race, which has implications for everything from trade to human rights, climate change to global conflicts.
In his statement, Chinese President Xi Jinping focused on strengthening ties between the two countries.
“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.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of better Russia-US relations. “Russia is ready and wants to restore full-fledged relations with the US,” he said. “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,” she said.
“Britain and the United States have an enduring and special relationship based on the values of freedom, democracy and enterprise...,” said British Prime Minister Theresa May.
“I look forward to working with president-elect Donald Trump, building on these ties to ensure the security and prosperity of our nations in the years ahead.”
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim expressed the hope that his country’s alliance with US would continue. “We hope... that our partnership and relationships will develop.”
A source close to Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras admitted to being “worried about the questions of respect for human rights and minority rights” in the US.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he “wishes success for Donald Trump on his new responsibility”.
Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid called for Trump to pull all US troops out of Afghanistan, saying the war had “failed” and had harmed the US “both militarily and economically”.
Iran and Israel
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said there was “no possibility” of its nuclear deal with world powers being overturned by Trump. “Iran’s understanding in the nuclear deal was that the accord was not concluded with one country or government but was approved by a resolution of the UN Security Council and there is no possibility that it can be changed by a single government,” he told his cabinet.
During his election campaign, Trump had described the deal as “disastrous” and said it would be his “number one priority” to dismantle it.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the New York businessman’s victory and said: “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 said: “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 expressed hope that the president-elect would bring stability to the Middle East. “We wish your Excellency success in your mission to achieve security and stability in the Middle East and worldwide,” he said.
The king praised the bilateral relations which are “historic and tight between the two friendly countries, that all parties aspire to develop and reinforce”.
Mexico
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said he was ready to work with Trump but the country’s foreign minister reiterated the government’s refusal to pay for his planned border wall.
Trump’s victory shocked Mexicans, who were angered by the Republican billionaire’s description of migrants as rapists and drug dealers.
The defeat of Hillary Clinton caused the peso and the Mexican stock market to plunge due to fears that Trump would upend economic ties with the country.
“I congratulate the US on its electoral process and reiterate to @realDonaldTrump my willingness to work together in favour of bilateral relations,” Pena Nieto said on Twitter.
“Mexico and the US are friends, partners and allies who must continue collaborating for the competitiveness and development of North America,” he said.
Trump has vowed to make Mexico pay for a massive border wall — which is estimated to cost several billions of dollars — and to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
He also pledged to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and threatened to freeze billions in remittances that migrants send to their families back home.
“Paying for a wall is not part of our vision,” Foreign Minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu of Mexico told the Televisa network.
Published in Dawn November 10th, 2016
