Leaders' response follows Trump's declaration of victory in presidential election, though official results are still pending
European leaders on Wednesday congratulated Republican candidate and former US President Donald Trump on his projected election victory.
"Congratulations President Donald Trump. Ready to work together as we have done for four years," French President Emmanuel Macron said on X.
"With your convictions and with mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity," he added.
"Congratulations President-elect Trump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.
“As the closest of allies," the UK and US stand shoulder to shoulder in "defense of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise," he said.
"From growth and security to innovation and tech, I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come," added Starmer.
Congratulating Trump, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on X: "For a long time, Germany and the US have been working together successfully promoting prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue to do so for the wellbeing of our citizens."
“On behalf of myself and the Italian Government, my most sincere congratulations to the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump,” Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also said on X.
“Italy and the United States are ‘sister’ nations, linked by an unshakable alliance, common values, and a historic friendship. It is a strategic bond, which I am sure we will now strengthen even further,” she added.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also congratulated Trump, saying: "His leadership will again be key to keeping our Alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through NATO."
In his first term as president, in 2017-2021, Trump was known for being sharply critical of the long-standing NATO alliance.
“I congratulate @realDonaldTrump to electoral success. The USA is an important strategic partner for Austria,” Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said on X.
“We look forward to further expanding and strengthening our transatlantic relations together in order to successfully meet global challenges," he added.
Hungary, the Netherlands, EU Commission head
Hailing Trump’s election victory as the "biggest comeback," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on X: "A much needed victory for the World!"
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also congratulated Trump, saying on X: "The United States is an important ally for the Netherlands, both bilaterally and in international contexts such as NATO. I look forward to our close cooperation on the shared interests between the USA and the Netherlands."
Albanian Premier Edi Rama said on X, also referring to current President Joe Biden: "It was a true honor to work alongside the 46th President of the United States to strengthen the bond between our two countries. I look forward to the great privilege of working with the 47th President to further enhance our partnership for peace, prosperity and further progress."
Congratulating Trump, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis wrote on X: "Romania is a strong and committed Strategic Ally of the US. Through our joint efforts, we will bring peace and prosperity for both our countries and beyond, defending our common interests."
Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store also congratulated Trump, stressing: "The US is Norway's most important partner and ally. I look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with the new Trump administration."
EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said on X: "I warmly congratulate Donald J. Trump. The EU and the US are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens."
"So let's work together on a strong transatlantic agenda that keeps delivering for them," she added.
European Council President Charles Michel congratulated Trump, saying the EU and US "have an enduring alliance and a historic bond. As allies and friends, the EU looks forward to continuing our constructive cooperation."
"The EU will pursue its course in line with the strategic agenda as a strong, united, competitive and sovereign partner while defending the rules-based multilateral system," he added.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, congratulating Trump, said on X: "Europe is ready. To cooperate as we address unprecedented geopolitical challenges. To keep the transatlantic bond strong, rooted in our shared values of freedom, human rights, democracy & open markets."
"The people of the United States have spoken and Ireland will work to deepen and strengthen the historic and unbreakable bonds between our people and our nations in the years ahead," said Prime Minister of Ireland Simon Harris.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb congratulated the newly elected US president, expressing Finland’s anticipation to "work closely with you and your administration on the major challenges of our time."
"Finland and the U.S. are strong allies across numerous areas, including security, technology, and business," Stubb said on X.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson congratulated Trump, expressing eagerness to strengthen US-Sweden relations.
"I look forward to working together and continuing our strong ties as friends and allies," he wrote on X.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also congratulated Trump, expressing commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and the transatlantic partnership.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis congratulated Trump, noting: "Greece looks forward to further deepening the strategic partnership between our two countries and working together on important regional and global issues."
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen congratulated Trump on his election, stressing the need to maintain close US-Denmark cooperation and strengthen the transatlantic bond.
"The United States is our most important ally. We must maintain the close cooperation between the U.S. and Denmark and continue to strengthen the transatlantic bond," Frederiksen said in a statement.
She also highlighted the importance of reinforcing defense cooperation, especially in light of Russia's aggressive actions, and emphasized continued support for Ukraine's fight for freedom.
Frederiksen expressed concern about China's role in the war, saying: "It would not be possible for Russia to continue the war in Ukraine without the help of China."
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics congratulated Trump, emphasizing Latvia's commitment to strengthening "bilateral relations and transatlantic partnership."
"Europe needs strong US and US needs strong Europe. Latvia is and will be a strong and reliable partner of the US," he stated on X.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis congratulated Trump on his "historic re-election," stressing Lithuania’s commitment to freedom and the enduring friendship between the two nations.
"Our nations' long and continuing friendship will overcome all our enemies," he said on X.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna also congratulated the newly elected president, emphasizing a desire to strengthen the US-Estonia relations and ensure security and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.
The leaders' responses follow Trump's declaration of victory in the presidential election, though official results are still pending.
According to The Associated Press, Trump surpassed 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the 2024 US presidential election. Fox News and The Associated Press both declared him the winner, while the official result is still pending.
Trump's potential return to the White House would mark a significant shift in US leadership and potentially in US-European relations. During his previous term, Trump publicly criticized European NATO allies for not meeting the alliance's defence spending target of 2% of GDP.
He argued that the US was shouldering an unfair burden of NATO's costs and threatened to withdraw from the alliance if other members did not increase their contributions.
Environment CS Aden Duale with Head of Delegation in Kenya Amb. Henriette Geiger in Nairobi
Government is keen on leveraging the strong historical Kenya-European Union bilateral ties to expand climate finance inflows particularly through Kenya’s emerging and highly potential carbon markets.
Speaking during a meeting, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale Wednesday morning discussed the European Union’s enhanced support for Kenya’s climate agenda with the EU Head of Delegation in Kenya Amb. Henriette Geiger in Nairobi.
In a statement, the renewed EU-Kenya Green Partnership currently under consideration will expand Europe’s public and private investments in Kenya’s green transition for the benefit of our country’s climate action and socioeconomic transformation in line with the BETA plan.
Ahead of this month’s COP29 in Baku, Kenya’s stand on mitigation, adaptation, finance, Article 6 provisions, and loss and damage fund, is aligned to AGN position as adopted by AMCEN and African Union’s CAHOSCC chaired by President William Ruto.
The Cabinet Secretary was joined in the meeting by Environment and Climate Change PS Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno and Ag. Forests Conservation Secretary George Tarus. By Christine Muchira, KBC
Students of the Rumbek University protest in solidarity with unpaid lecturers on November 4, 2024. (Radio Tamazuj)
Students of the Rumbek University of Science and Technology (RUST) Monday morning staged a peaceful demonstration within their campus, demanding 10 months’ pay arrears for the academic staff of the institution.
They gave a seven-day ultimatum to the national government to clear all the arrears, failure which there would be a massive strike, targeting government infrastructure.
The President of the student’s guild, Sabit Job Reec, told Radio Tamazuj that they had issued the seven-day ultimatum to the National ministries of Higher Education and Finance and planning to clear the 10-months arrears for the academic and the non-academic staff or face a massive protest.
“I am here with executive of the students’ union to present the concerns. We are not having lectures and there is no food on the campus,” he said.
“The families of the members of staff are suffering and we want the government to pay them. We have given a one-week ultimatum in our second call to the national ministries of Higher Education and Finance and Planning and the Chancellor of all the universities,” he added.
Another student’s representative, Dut Michael, said they had been stranded for three months without any learning.
“We need the ministry to pay our teachers their arrears so that they resume their duties. We are also demanding that the university contractor too be paid three years’ arrears,” he said.
He said some students, especially from the distant areas, had nowhere to get food from.
“We are urging our government, particularly the Ministry of Higher Education, to respond to our demands,” he said.
Bhakita Philip said the issues were the salaries for the lecturers and the non-academic staff and food for the students.
Pieng Paanic said it was time the government listened to the voice of the people.
“We need education, and this education cannot happen when our lecturers are not given their rights. So, we need 10-months’ salary arrears for the academic and the and non-academic staff,” he said.
South Sudan’s economy has been under pressure in recent years, with crude oil export revenue having dwindled since a 2013-2018 conflict and, more recently, export disruptions due to war in neighbouring Sudan.
Civil servants and soldiers have gone unpaid salaries for several months. Professionals with monthly salaries ranging from $10 to $50, such as teachers and doctors, have also experienced protracted payment delays. Radio Tamazuj
At least 18 civilians were killed in attacks by Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on villages in Al Jazirah State, doctors and activists said Monday.
The attacks come amid accusations against the RSF of “violations and mass killings” targeting civilians in Al Jazirah, though the RSF has not responded to the claims.
Clashes between the RSF and the Sudanese army resumed in Al Jazirah on Oct. 20 after RSF leader Abu Aqla Kikil, a native of the area, defected and declared his allegiance to the army.
By December 2023, Kikil’s RSF faction had taken control of several cities in Al Jazirah, including Wad Madani, the state’s capital.
The RSF currently controls large swaths of Al Jazirah, excluding Al Manaqil and its surrounding areas, which stretch southward to the border of Sennar State and westward to the border of White Nile State.
The Sudanese Doctors Network, a non-governmental organization, said Monday that an RSF attack on a village in eastern Al Jazirah over the weekend left 13 people dead and several injured.
“We condemn the ongoing killing of unarmed civilians in eastern Al Jazirah villages alongside looting, forced displacement and blockades imposed by the RSF,” it said in a statement.
It also highlighted that RSF attacks have forced “tens of thousands to flee to neighbouring states, creating a humanitarian disaster and unprecedented displacement.”
Separately, the Nidaa Al-Wasat news platform said RSF forces attacked Umm al-Qura in eastern Al Jazirah on Monday, killing five civilians and injuring several others.
Sudanese authorities and the RSF have not commented on the reports.
Since mid-April 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF have been engaged in a conflict that has resulted in more than 20,000 deaths and displaced nearly 10 million people, according to the UN.
There have been growing calls from the UN and international bodies to end the conflict, as the war has pushed millions of Sudanese to the brink of famine and death due to food shortages, with the fighting spreading to 13 of Sudan's 18 states. By Adel Abdelrheem Anadolu Agency
Zanzibar’s government is seeking to support blockchain startups and recently launched a sandbox where they can experiment with new products and services before they launch publicly. At the same time, the Vietnamese government has launched a national blockchain strategy with one bold goal: to become Asia’s blockchain hub.
Zanzibar launches blockchain sandbox
Zanzibar has launched a sandbox for blockchain startups to spur innovation from local companies and attract innovators from neighboring countries.
In its announcement, the Zanzibar government welcomed all startups developing solutions on the blockchain and utilizing other emerging technologies such as AI. However, it revealed it would prioritize those solving the key challenges affecting the island region, including financial inclusion, certificate issuance, and identity verification.
“The primary objective is to create a conducive environment for the development of cutting-edge technologies, including blockchain, AI, and other emerging technologies. Innovators will have the opportunities to work on pilot projects, collaborate with experts, and receive mentorship from industry leaders, which is very critical,” commented Said Seif Said, who heads the e-Government Authority of Zanzibar, as reported by local outlets.
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous group of islands off the coast of East Africa. With a population of just over 800,000, it has its own government and president but remains under Tanzania’s sovereignty.
In mainland Tanzania, the government has been pushing for blockchain adoption in recent years. Earlier this year, it partnered with the African Blockchain Association to educate the citizens about blockchain.
Sandboxes have become critical in the development of blockchain applications. They allow innovators more latitude as they develop their products and provide more regulatory clarity as they collaborate with authorities.
This month, the European Blockchain Sandbox Initiative welcomed its second cohort, which included 41 watchdogs from 22 EU countries. In August, the Thai SEC launched its sandbox for the digital asset sector, while a month earlier, Hong Kong’s central bank welcomed Standard Chartered (NASDAQ: SCBFF), Animoca Brands, JD.com (NASDAQ: JD), and others into its sandbox.
Vietnam’s ambitious blockchain strategy
In other news, Vietnam has been a hotspot for digital assets over the past five years, ranking in the top three for adoption on the Chainalysis Adoption Index since 2021. A high unbanked population, low faith in the national currency, and zero taxation are among the factors that contribute to this growth. Now, the government wants to channel this adoption to the underlying blockchain technology.
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc signed off on the new strategy, which aims to lay the groundwork for the adoption of blockchain by 2025 and make Vietnam a blockchain hub by 2030. The country’s Ministry of Information and Communications is spearheading the initiative, specifically through the National Electronic Authentication Center (NEAC).
The strategy hinges on six key pillars, including growing the digital infrastructure, establishing growth control mechanisms, and building a sustainable digital economy. It also outlines some key action areas, which include offering legal clarity to the sector, churning out skilled developers, and investing in research and development.
Under R&D, the government will push for blockchain research in the three national innovation centers and build ten more training facilities dedicated to the technology. It will also integrate blockchain into the curriculum of universities, colleges, and research institutions. Earlier this year, civil societies in Vietnam launched the Vietnam Academy of Blockchain and AI Innovation to spur the two transformative technologies.
The strategy assigns specific actions to various government agencies and industry bodies, including NEAC and the Vietnam Blockchain Association (VBA).
“This strategy will position Vietnam among the top countries in blockchain application and research in the region, ensuring that we master and utilize blockchain across all social and economic sectors, contributing to a stable and prosperous digital nation,” commented To Thi Thu Huong, the director of the NEAC.
The VBA was the only private sector organization assigned a role in implementing the new strategy, which the association’s vice president, Phan Duc Trung, says is in recognition of its continued contributions to the sector.
“VBA is aware of its responsibility towards this very young but potential industry. We are committed to actively and proactively performing the assigned tasks to promote community development in the direction of research, practical application, and maximizing the benefits of blockchain technology as shown in the national strategy.”
Establishing a legal framework for blockchain and digital assets will be just as critical to the success of the strategy. Despite leading ASEAN in digital assets, Vietnam still lacks a comprehensive framework for the sector, hindering the technology’s implementation by mainstream organizations and pushing local startups to set up operations abroad. Coingeek
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