World powers hopeful for reset with US under Joe Biden
- Leaders looking forward to working with Biden after four turbulent Trump years
- Governments targeted and sanctioned under Trump embrace chance for fresh start
Biden’s first call to a foreign leader will be to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday.
Trudeau, who butted heads with Trump over trade, said that “Canada and the United States enjoy one of the most unique relationships in the world”.
He said he looked forward to working with the new administration to promote climate action, clean economic growth, inclusion and diversity.
Mexico hailed Biden’s order to halt construction of Trump’s wall along the US-Mexican border, as well as his other immigration-linked reforms.
Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called Wednesday “the start of a new chapter”, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel praised the swearing-in ceremony as “a true celebration of American democracy”.
The 70-year-old Nato military alliance was shaken by Trump’s frequent criticism, who often cast it as a drain on US resources.
China was hoping for “a collaboration beneficial to both sides,” a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry in Beijing said, adding China would maintain its own interests and would not be defamed by the US.
00:52
US President Biden recounts chat with President Xi before swearing in appointees and staffers
Russia, meanwhile, urged the new administration to take a “more constructive” approach in talks over the extension of the New START treaty, Washington’s last arms reduction pact with Moscow.
The Russian foreign ministry accused the administration of Trump of “deliberately and intentionally” dismantling international arms control agreements.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who appeared to have a chummy relationship with Trump, congratulated Biden “on being sworn in as President of the United States” and Harris “on her historic inauguration” on Twitter.
Biden recalls telling China’s Xi Jinping the US is about ‘possibilities’
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was blunt in telling Scotland’s Parliament Trump wouldn’t be missed.
“I’m sure many of us across the chamber and across Scotland will be very happy to say cheerio to Donald Trump today,” she said.
In Brussels, top EU officials welcomed a new era of cooperation with Washington after four years of often being treated like a hostile ally.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tweeted that “this is a great day for democracy, reaching far beyond the American borders.”
Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, one of the world’s youngest elected leaders, gave special mention to Harris, saying “my warmest congratulations! I look forward [to] working with you and the new administration”. She named the climate, equality and human rights as areas of focus.
US allies in the Asia-Pacific region expressed anticipation of strengthening those alliances under a Biden administration. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen and others highlighted their shared values as leaders of democracies.
Inside the ugly transition at the Pentagon
South Korean President Moon Jae-in said: “America’s new beginning will make democracy even greater”.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Biden was a good friend to New Zealand and highlighted in particular the words given in his inaugural address. “President Biden’s message of unity as he takes office is one that resonates with New Zealanders,” Ardern said.
00:49
Biden signs first-day executive orders on Paris climate accord, departure from WHO and more
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison congratulated Biden and Harris and said “the Australia-US Alliance has never been more important”.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, an ally of Trump’s, congratulated Biden and said that he hoped the two countries could pursue a free trade deal, in a letter posted on Twitter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who enjoyed a warm relationship with Trump, also voiced optimism.
“I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the US-Israel alliance, to continue expanding peace between Israel and the Arab world and to confront common challenges, chief among them the threat posed by Iran,” he said.
Donald Trump leaves parting Oval Office letter for Joe Biden
The Palestinians meanwhile hope Washington will dial down its pro-Israel stance.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said “we look forward to working together for peace and stability in the region and the world.”
In Venezuela, President Nicolas Maduro’s government urged dialogue with the Biden administration, while hoping the new president abandons the avalanche of damaging sanctions Trump imposed to attempt a regime change.
Meanwhile, arch-rival Iran said it was ready to clear its differences with the US. But the ball was in Washington’s court, President Hassan Rowhani told state television on Wednesday.
Of the 2015 nuclear deal, Rowhani said that if Biden was serious about fulfilling its international obligations towards Iran, Tehran would do likewise.
Pope Francis wished Biden – a devout Catholic – strength and wisdom.
“May Americans, under their leadership, continue to draw strength from the high political, ethical and religious values that have inspired the nation since its inception,” he wrote in a message to the White House on Wednesday.
DPA, Associated Press, and Agence France-Presse
