World leaders salute Trump, but signal worries over future

As world leaders responded Wednesday to President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in US elections, their messages contained congratulations as well as cautious reminders of what they expect from the next Washington administration.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered Trump “close cooperation” based on the shared values of their liberal democracies while French President Francois Hollande warned of an uncertain future.

“Germany and America share the values of democracy, freedom, respect for the rule of law and human dignity, regardless of origin, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or political belief,” Merkel said.

“On the basis of these values, I offer close cooperation to the future president of the United States of America, Donald Trump.”

French President Francois Hollande, who once said Donald Trump made him want to retch, warned that the Republican’s stunning victory in the US election “opens a period of uncertainty.”

In a televised address, Hollande underlined that the United States was a key partner for business, for solving wars in the Middle East and tackling global warming — something Trump has dismissed as a hoax.

“This American election opens a period of uncertainty,” he said in a statement that offered only brief congratulations to the billionaire.

As well as France keeping up its global role, “this context calls for a united Europe, capable of making itself heard and of promoting policies wherever its interests or its values are challenged,” he said.

Hollande, who has disastrous approval ratings ahead of France’s presidential election next year, has been an outspoken critic of Trump and in October had predicted a victory for Hillary Clinton.

The Vatican’s first reaction to the election of Donald Trump focused on its wish for global peace.

Pope Francis did not mention the US elections during his Wednesday audience, but his secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, in a statement to Vatican Radio wished Trump that “his government can be truly fruitful.”

He added the Vatican offered its prayers “that the Lord illuminates and sustains him in service of his country, naturally, but also in service of the well-being and peace of the world.”

Parolin concluded by noting that “there is need for everyone to work to change the global situation, which is in a situation of severe lacerations and great conflict.”

Saudi King Salman expressed hope the victorious Republican nominee 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,” Salman said in a message of congratulations reported by the official Saudi Press Agency.

He praised the relations, which are “historic and tight between the two friendly countries, that all parties aspire to develop and reinforce.”

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi congratulated Trump and said he hoped for continued US and international support in the war against jihadists.

Trump, who won a surprise victory over Hillary Clinton, has repeatedly vilified Muslims and also made remarks during the campaign that raised questions about his support for US security commitments in places including the Middle East.

“We look forward to the continued support of the world and the United States in standing with Iraq in its confrontation with terrorism,” Abadi said in a statement from the premier’s office.

Iraqi President Fuad Masum, parliament speaker Salim al-Juburi and leaders of the country’s autonomous Kurdish region also offered congratulations on Trump’s win.

In the past Trump has said that the United States should have stolen Iraqi oil to pay for the nearly nine-year war that began with its overthrow of dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003.

China’s President Xi Jinping sent his congratulations to 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 saying in its nightly national broadcast.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Trump’s victory as did British Prime Minister Theresa May and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu.