Buhari, Zuma, Putin, other world leaders react to Donald Trump’s victory

President Muhammadu Buhari and other world leaders have reacted to the surprise election of Donald Trump as the 45th U.S. president.

President Buhari in a statement by a media aide, Femi Adesina, congratulated Mr. Trump, saying he “looks forward to working together with President-elect Trump to strengthen the already established friendly relations between both countries, including cooperation on many shared foreign policy priorities, such as the fight against terrorism, peace and security, economic growth, democracy and good governance.”

Mr. Trump had, in his victory speech, sent conciliatory signals, pledging to seek common ground with America’s partners.

In his congratulatory message, Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, talked about his country’s sour relations with the U.S.

“It is not an easy path but we are ready to ready to do our part and do everything to return Russian and American relations to a stable path of development,” Mr. Putin, for whom Trump expressed admiration during the election campaign, said.

British Prime Minister, Theresa May, congratulated Mr. Trump and said Britain and the U.S. would remain “strong and close partners on trade, security and defence.”

During the election campaign, Ms. May had criticized Mr. Trump’s call for a ban on Muslims from entering the United States, saying it was divisive, unhelpful and wrong.

Egypt’s president congratulated Donald Trump, saying Cairo wants to see more “cooperation and coordination” between the two nations to bolster stability and peace in the Middle East.

According to a statement by his office on Wednesday, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi telephoned Mr. Trump to offer his congratulations and invited him to visit Egypt.

Also, Chinese state media said President Xi Jinping had called Mr. Trump to congratulate him on his victory.

“I place great importance on the China-US relationship, and look forward to working with you to uphold the principles of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation,” Mr. Xi was reported to have told Trump.

In his statement, President Jacob Zuma conveyed his best wishes on behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa.

Mr. Zuma said he “looked forward to working with President-elect Trump to build on the strong relations that exists between the two countries”.

The Prime Minister of Iraq, Haider al-Abadi, also congratulated Mr. Trump and said he was looking forward to continued support in his country’s fight against Islamic State.

In a statement on his website, Mr. al-Abadi said he hopes the “world and the United States will continue to support Iraq in fighting terrorism.”

Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu said he hoped to reach “new heights” in bilateral ties under Mr. Trump.

Also, the Philippine government said it was looking forward to working with Mr. Trump to enhance bilateral ties.

President Rodrigo Duterte congratulated Mr. Trump and hailed the U.S. two-party system that gave the country’s voters freedom of choice based on party platform, not just personalities.

“I wish Trump success in the next four years as Chief Executive and commander-in chief of the U.S. military.

Mr. Duterte said he was looking forward to working with the incoming administration for enhanced Philippines-US relations anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit and shared commitment to democratic ideals and the rule of law.

Mr. Duterte, who has been compared to Mr. Trump, has criticised the U.S. in recent statements and vowed to “separate” the Philippines from the U.S., vowing to chart a foreign policy that does not mimic that of Washington’s.

Some world leaders have, however, expressed worry with Mr. Trump’s election.

“Trump is the pioneer of a new authoritarian and chauvinist international movement. He is also a warning for us,” German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said in an interview with the Funke newspaper group.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the result was “different from what most people in Germany desired. But of course, we have to accept it”.

Though French President Francois Hollande congratulated Mr. Trump on his victory, he warned that the election result opened a period of uncertainty.

Mr. Trump’s opponent, Hillary Clinton, and President Barack Obama have also congratulated him via telephone conversations.

Mr. Obama also phoned Mrs. Clinton, “and expressed admiration for the strong campaign she waged throughout the country,” the White House said.

Mr. Trump’s victory represents a huge shift in American politics because of his stand on immigration, foreign policy and minority rights.