World Leaders Say "Welcome Biden" vs "Goodbye Trump"

EU "The Moment We Have Long Awaited"
Pope Francis "May the United States Regain Understanding, Reconciliation, and Peace"
Putin "The Will to Improve Relations Depends on the Biden Administration"

▲Pope Francis [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] As the world watches the inauguration of Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, welcome messages from world leaders have continued. Warm greetings filled with welcome and expectations for the newly launched Biden administration, as well as sharp messages from non-allied countries, were delivered.

On the 20th (local time), Pope Francis sent a statement congratulating President-elect Biden, saying, "I hope the United States can regain understanding, reconciliation, and peace," and added, "I pray that the decisions of the American people in the face of the serious crises confronting humanity will lead to unwavering respect for human rights and dignity, and the building of a society of justice and freedom."

▲Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission [Image source=Yonhap News]

From the EU, considered a traditional ally of the United States, a welcome message crossed the Atlantic. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said in a TV address, "The launch of the Biden administration will be a message of hope to countries around the world wishing for the United States to return as a like-minded nation," adding, "This is the moment we have long awaited."

In addition, congratulatory messages from allies such as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau followed.

▲Vladimir Putin, President of Russia [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a tough message, stating, "Nothing will change in Russia," and "The possibility of improving relations depends on the Biden administration." Putin is noted as the last world leader to congratulate President-elect Biden. He also made it clear that there are no plans for a summit with Biden.

Iran, which has long been at odds with the United States, targeted Trump and Pompeo, saying, "The disgraceful history has been thrown into the trash," expressing hope that the Biden administration will reverse Trump's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying cautiously welcomed the new administration during a daily briefing, stating, "We hope the Biden administration will engage with China with mutual respect, properly coordinate differences, and expand win-win cooperation in more areas." At the same time, she criticized the outgoing Trump administration regarding its designation of the persecution of Uyghurs in China as genocide, calling it "nothing but a ridiculous clown's joke."