International

World Leaders Cheer President Donald Trump

Russian President, congratulated Trump in a televised statement, expressing readiness to dialogue with the new US administration on the Ukrainian conflict.

Published

1 year ago

January 21, 2025

OCHEFA

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▪︎ President Donald Trump, and his Vice President, JD Vance / Ohibaba.com UGC

World leaders in various countries have congratulated Donald Trump following his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States of America.

Trump who took the oath of office at a historic ceremony at the Capitol on Monday, have been receiving heart-warming cheers.

Ukrainian president

To celebrate the U.S. president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, took to his X (formerly Twitter) account, describing Trump’s swearing-in as “a day of hope for the resolution of many problems, including global challenges.”

The Ukrainian president expressed confidence that Trump’s policies would boost America’s leadership. “President Trump is always decisive, and the peace through the strength of policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is the top priority,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Canadian Prime Minister in a post on his website, also sent his congratulatory messages to America’s president as he resumed office for a non-consecutive second time.

The prime minister said he was happy for yet another opportunity to work with President Trump, adding that both countries are the largest trade partners, “with a relationship that creates millions of jobs, attracts billions in investment into the continent, and keeps our people safe.”

He noted that Canada is strengthening the mutually beneficial relationship it has with the US, bolstering cross-border trade through investment.

“We are strongest when we work together, and I look forward to working with President Trump, his administration, members of the United States Congress, and officials at the state and local levels to deliver prosperity for our people – while protecting and defending the interests of Canadians,” he said. “Canada and the US have the world’s most successful economic partnership. We have the chance to work together again – to create more jobs and prosperity for both our nations.”

India’s Prime Minister

On his part, Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, congratulated Trump in a statement on X. He said, “Congratulations, my dear friend President @realDonaldTrump, on your historic inauguration as the 47th President of the United States! I look forward to working closely together once again to benefit both our countries and to shape a better future for the world. Best wishes for a successful term ahead!”

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel’s Prime Minister, in a video, mentioned some of President Trump’s achievements during his his term, saying that “the best days of our alliance are yet to come.”

“You withdrew from the dangerous Iran nuclear deal, you recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, you moved the American embassy to Jerusalem, and you recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights,” Netanyahu added.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

Italy’s Prime Minister shared a statement on X in Italian, which in English, reads as follows: “Best wishes to the President @realDonaldTrump for the beginning of his new mandate at the helm of the United States of America.”

“I am certain that the friendship between our nations and the values that unite us will continue to strengthen the collaboration between Italy and the USA, facing global challenges together and building a future of prosperity and security for our peoples.” Meloni reaffirmed that Italy will always be committed to consolidating the dialogue between the United States and Europe as an essential pillar for the stability and growth of both countries.

Russia’s president Vladimir Putin

Russian President, congratulated Trump in a televised statement, expressing readiness to dialogue with the new US administration on the Ukrainian conflict.

“As for the settlement of the situation itself, I want to emphasize that its goal should not be a brief truce but a lasting peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people,” he said.

UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer

UK’s prime minister, shared a video statement congratulating Trump on X.

He also wrote, “On behalf of the United Kingdom, I send my warmest congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on his inauguration as the forty-seventh President of the United States.

The special relationship between the UK and the US will continue to flourish for years to come.”

Pakistan’s Prime Minister

Also, Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s Prime Minister wrote on X, “My warmest congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on his assumption of office as the forty-seventh President of the United States of America. I look forward to working with him to strengthen the enduring Pakistan-U.S. partnership.”

“Over the years, our two great countries have worked together closely to pursue peace and prosperity in the region and beyond for our peoples & we shall continue to do so in the future. My best wishes to President Trump for a successful second term in office.”

International

Japan opens door to global arms market with overhaul of defence export rules

“No single country can now protect its own peace and security alone, and partner countries that support each other in terms of defence equipment are necessary,” Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in a post on X.

Published

5 hours ago

April 21, 2026

OCHEFA

16 Views

Japan’s old warship / Reuters image

Japan on Tuesday unveiled its biggest overhaul of defence export rules in decades, scrapping restrictions on overseas arms sales and opening the way for exports of warships, missiles and other weapons.

According to Reuters, the move aimed at strengthening Japan’s defence industrial ‌base marks another step away from the pacifist restraints that have shaped its postwar security policy.

Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are also straining U.S. weapons production, expanding opportunities for Japan.

At the same time, U.S. allies in Europe and Asia are looking to diversify suppliers as Washington’s long-held security commitments look less certain under President Donald Trump.

The revision approved by Takaichi’s government removes five export categories that had limited most military exports to rescue, transport, ⁠warning, surveillance and mine-sweeping equipment.

Ministers and officials will instead assess the merits of each proposed sale.

Japan will keep in place three export principles that commit it to strict screening, controls on transfers to third countries and a ban on sales to countries involved in conflict.

But in a presentation outlining the changes, the government said exceptions could be made when deemed necessary for national security.

International

South Korea Successfully Navigates First Oil Tanker Through Red Sea Amid Strait of Hormuz Blockade

Published

4 days ago

April 17, 2026

Charles Flames

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A South Korean oil tanker has safely transited the Red Sea, marking the country’s first successful crude oil shipment via this alternative route since the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year.

The development comes as South Korea intensifies efforts to secure its energy supplies amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and the blockade of one of the world’s most vital oil chokepoints, triggered by the prolonged conflict involving Iran.

According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the tanker, which loaded crude oil at Yanbu port in Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, has now exited the waterway. President Lee Jae-myung welcomed the news, describing it as a positive step for the nation’s energy security.

“It is good news that our vessel is transporting crude oil via the Red Sea for the first time since the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz,” President Lee posted on social media, commending officials and the crew for their efforts.

The move forms part of a broader strategy to diversify import routes and reduce reliance on the blocked Strait of Hormuz.

South Korea has already secured more than 270 million barrels (approximately 273 million barrels according to some reports) of crude oil and naphtha from the Middle East and Kazakhstan through alternative channels unaffected by the crisis.

These supplies are expected to sustain the country’s needs for several months.

Officials noted that the government plans to deploy additional Korean-flagged vessels to the Red Sea port of Yanbu in phases to further stabilise imports, despite risks such as potential threats from Houthi rebels in the region.

The successful transit highlights growing global shifts in energy logistics, as import-dependent nations adapt to disruptions in traditional shipping routes caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

South Korea, which relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil, continues to explore bypass options, including discussions on alternative pipelines and storage facilities, to ensure uninterrupted energy flows and protect its economy from volatility.

International

BBC to Cut 2,000 Jobs in Biggest Downsize in 15 Years

The corporation announced a £600 million cost-cutting plan in February, saying that it would involve a reduction in headcount and the end of some programming.

Published

5 days ago

April 16, 2026

OCHEFA

45 Views

The BBC is to cut as many as 2,000 jobs in the biggest downsizing of the public service broadcaster in 15 years.

Staff were informed of the cuts, which will affect about 10 percent of the BBC’s 21,500 employees, at an all-staff meeting on Wednesday afternoon, the Guardian UK reported yesterday.

The round of job losses, the biggest at the BBC since 2011, is being set in motion before the former top Google executive Matt Brittin takes over as director general next month.

The corporation announced a £600 million cost-cutting plan in February, saying that it would involve a reduction in headcount and the end of some programming.

Tim Davie, the outgoing director general, said at the time that the BBC would need to cut 10 per cent of its approximately £6 billion annual cost base over the next three years.

Davie left the BBC on April 2, having announced his resignation in November after controversy over coverage of issues including Donald Trump, Gaza and trans rights.