The world reacts to President Trump: Putin says he wants to ‘fully restore’ ties with America while France's US ambassador declares 'the world is collapsing before our eyes' 

• e-mail

Trump's victory has sent shockwaves across the world

World leaders have reacted with disbelief after the surprise election of Donald Trump as US president - and Russian President Vladimir Putin has become one of the first to congratulate the Republican on his win.

A senior figure in the German government has described the result as a 'huge shock', and questioned whether it will mean an end to 'Pax Americana' - the state of relative peace overseen by Washington since the end of World War Two.

And the current French ambassador to the United States wrote that the 'world is collapsing before our eyes' in an astonishing attack on the newly-elected President. 

In a now-deleted tweet, before Trump's victory was confirmed, Gerard Araud wrote: 'After Brexit and this election, everything is now possible. A world is collapsing before our eyes. Dizziness.'

But the result has been welcomed in Moscow, where Vladimir Putin said he is optimistic of improved relations with the US under a Trump presidency.

Scroll down for video 

Newspapers in Canada (left) demonstrated their surprise at Trump's victory in the race for the White House

The result has sent shockwaves across the world, with German Justice Minister Heiko Maas tweeted Twitter: 'The world won't end, but things will get more crazy'

'Trumped' was the headline in the Daily News in Barbados, while El Pais in Spain carried a picture of stunned Hillary Clinton supporters

Trump's victory plunges the world into uncertainty, reports Le Figaro in France, whose ambassador to the US, Gerard Araud, wrote: 'A world is collapsing before our eyes'

French President Francois Hollande gave a lukewarm response to the election result, saying it heralded a period of 'uncertainty'.

He said: 'I congratulate him as is natural between two democratic heads of state. This American election opens a period of uncertainty.'

He said France would be vigilant and frank in talks with the new White House administration. 

'This American election opens a period of uncertainty,' said French President Francois Hollande after Trump's election victory

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault pledged to work with Trump, but said his personality 'raised questions'.

He admitted to being unsure what a Trump presidency would mean for key foreign policy challenges, from climate change and the West's nuclear deal with Iran to the war in Syria. 

France's Liberation newspaper ran with the headline 'Very Bad Trump', echoing concerns in the French administration over the Republican's election

Trump's election has made front pages all over the world, including these from France (left) and New Zealand (right)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, pictured today, was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Trump on his win

Russian president Putin has sent Trump a telegram of congratulation, and called for relations between the two superpowers - which have been strained during the Obama regime - to be rebuilt.

News agency Interfax reported that the Russian Parliament burst into applause after Trump’s victory was confirmed.

Putin was later pictured sipping on a glass of champagne at a meeting for foreign ambassadors in Moscow. 

In a speech in the Kremlin, Putin stated: 'We have heard the pre-election statements by then-candidate (Trump), which were directed at rebuilding relations between Russia and the US.

'We understand that this will not be an easy path considering the unfortunate degradation of relations. 

'But Russia is ready and wants to restore full-fledged relations with the US.'

The Russian President, who had a frosty relationship with President Obama and Hillary Clinton, continued: 'We are ready to do our part and do everything to return (US-Russian) relations to the trajectory of development.

'This would be in the interest of Russian and American people and would positively affect the general climate in international relations, considering the special responsibility of Russia and the US for ensuring global stability and security.'

Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin voiced hopes for more constructive US-Russian dialogue when the newly-elected president takes office.

He said: 'Current Russian-US relations cannot be called friendly. One would like to hope that a more constructive dialog between the two countries will be possible when the new president takes office.' 

British Prime Minister Theresa May has said she plans to speak with the incoming president 'at the earliest possible opportunity'.

In a statement released after Trump's victory she said: 'I would like to congratulate Donald Trump on being elected the next president of the United States, following a hard-fought campaign.

'Britain and the United States have an enduring and special relationship based on the values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.

'We are, and will remain, strong and close partners on trade, security and defence.

'I look forward to working with president-elect Donald Trump, building on these ties to ensure the security and prosperity of our nations in the years ahead.'

'We are, and will remain, strong and close partners on trade, security and defence,' said British Prime Minister Theresa May

French National Front president Marine Le Pen was among the first to voice their congratulations

The election was greeted with delight by far-right leaders in Europe, with French National Front president Marine Le Pen among the first to voice their congratulations.

She tweeted:  'Congratulations to the new President of the United States Donald Trump and the American people, free!'

German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen, an ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel, described the result as a 'huge shock' and questioned whether it meant the end of 'Pax Americana', the state of relative peace overseen by Washington that has governed international relations since World War Two.

The country's Justice Minister Heiko Maas tweeted: 'The world won't end, but things will get more crazy.'

Chancellor Angela Merkel - denounced by Trump as 'insane' for allowing more than a million migrants into the country last year - hinted at unease when she congratulated the Republican on his election victory.

Merkel said: 'Germany and America are bound together by values - democracy, freedom, respecting the rule of law, people's dignity regardless of their origin, the colour of their skin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or political views.

'On the basis of these values, I am offering to work closely with the future President of the United States Donald Trump.'

During the presidential campaign, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier branded Trump a 'hate preacher'. He has warned that 'many things will become more difficult' 

And Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned that a Trump administration would be more unpredictable, and 'more difficult' to work with.

He said: 'I think we must expect that American foreign policy will become less predictable for us and we must expect that the United States will be more inclined to make decisions on its own.

'In other words, and I will not dress it up, nothing will become easier, many things will become more difficult.' 

During the presidential campaign, he branded Trump a 'hate preacher'. 

'Looks like this will be the year of the double disaster of the West,' former Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt said on Twitter, pointing to Britain's vote in June to leave the European Union. 'Fasten seat belts,' he said. 

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Mr Trump's personality 'raised questions', but vowed to work with the newly-elected US President

Chinese President Xi Jinping said he looks forward to working with Trump in a 'constructive' way

Chinese President Xi Jinping said he looks forward to working with Trump in a 'constructive' way.

During his campaign, Trump accused China of illegally subsidising exports, manipulating its currency and stealing intellectual property.

Xi wrote to the President-elect: 'I highly value China-US relations and am looking forward to working with you to expand cooperation in all fields, including in bilateral, regional and global aspects.'

He said he expects they would 'manage differences in a constructive way, in the spirit of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect, cooperation and win-win'.

State media outlets in China cast the US election as the embodiment of America's democracy in crisis, with the state-run Xinhua News Agency saying the campaign had highlighted that 'the majority of Americans are rebelling against the US's political class and financial elites'.

Donald Trump's election as US President has been branded a 'huge shock' in Europe

The result has sparked alarm among the USA's immediate neighbours, with the Cuban government announcing five days of nationwide military exercises to confront 'a range of actions by the enemy'.

Although it did not explicitly link the announcement to Trump's victory, it was made at the same time as the result. Similar exercises have been carried out at times of high tension with the US.

There has been a normalisation of relations under Barack Obama, but Trump has pledged to reverse this unless President Raul Castro agrees to more freedom on the island.

It has led to fears that tourism, and the benefits it brings, will drop off.

Taxi driver Oriel Iglesias Garcia told Associated Press: 'The little we've advanced, if he reverses it, it hurts us. 

Trump has pledged to reverse a normalisation of relations with Cuba unless President Raul Castro (pictured) agrees to more freedom on the island

'You know tourism will go down. If Donald Trump wins and turns everything back it's really bad for us.'

The first Bastion Strategic Exercise was launched by the Cuban government in 1980 after the election of Ronald Reagan. 

The announcement by Cuba's Revolutionary Armed Forces in red ink across the top of the front page of the country's main newspaper said the army, Interior Ministry and other forces would be conducting maneuvers and different types of tactical exercises from November 16 to 20.

It warned citizens that the exercises would include 'movements of troops and war materiel, overflights and explosions in the cases where they're required'.  

Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders claimed the 'people are taking their country back', and added: 'So will we'

Far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders welcomed Trump's election, claiming: 'The people are taking their country back'

The result was welcomed by controversial far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders, who has previously hit out at what he describes as the Islamification of the Netherlands.

After results came in for Florida and Utah, he wrote: 'The people are taking their country back. So will we.'

The country's Foreign Minister, Bert Koenders said: 'We will judge him on his actions.'

Koenders, of the center-left Labor Party, said: 'Trump made statements that were at odds with how we like to see our society and world order.'

He cited examples including Trump's comments about US relationships with NATO, Russia and the European Union.

But the Dutch minister says it is important for the Netherlands' close relationship with the United States to continue since 'we are facing global challenges such as climate change and the fight against terrorism'. 

Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin voiced hopes for more constructive US-Russian dialogue when the newly-elected president takes office

Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon warned of a 'real sense of anxiety' following Trump's election.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Trump's victory has created a 'real sense of anxiety'

After congratulating the Republican candidate, Sturgeon said: 'It is normal in any election for those on the losing side to feel disappointment, but today, many in America and across the world, will also feel a real sense of anxiety.'

Trump, whose mother was Scottish, owns two golf courses on the west and east coasts of Scotland.

Sturgeon has long been vocal on her distaste for Trump, and endorsed his opponent Hillary Clinton as recently as Tuesday.

'While this is not the outcome I hoped for, it is the verdict of the American people and we must respect it. I congratulate president-elect Trump on winning the election,' she said. 

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the USA's 'unity in diversity' is one of its greatest strengths

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the United Nations will be counting on Trump's administration to meet global challenges - including climate change and human rights.

Ban says after 'a hard-fought and often divisive campaign, it is worth recalling and reaffirming that the unity in diversity of the United States is one of the country's greatest strengths'.

Ban also praised Hillary Clinton 'for a lifetime commitment to peace, the advancement of women and the well-being of children'.

Extreme Australian right-wing Senator Pauline Hanson congratulated Trump on his presidency and thanked Americans ‘for getting it right

Australia’s extreme right-wing Senator Pauline Hanson congratulated Trump on his presidency and thanked Americans ‘for getting it right'.

Hanson co-opted Trump’s controversial statements and demanded that Australia ban all Muslim migration to Australia and once warned that the country was being ‘swamped by Asians’.

‘I’m so excited that Donald Trump looks like he is over the line and I’m so happy about it because this is putting out a clear message to everyone around the world that people power is now happening,’ she said in an online video posted shortly before Trump’s victory was confirmed.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull congratulated Trump on his surprise win and promised the two countries would remain allies through any conflict.

'We have no stronger relationship, whether it is on the battlefield or in commerce, than we have with the United States. 

'They are a great and powerful nation. They are a great and powerful friend,' Turnbull told a news conference.

News of Trump's election has been greeted with shock in Italy, whose Prime Minister Matteo Renzi had supported Hillary Clinton

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who had openly supported Hillary Clinton, congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential elections and said Italy's ties with the United States remained strong.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi was one of the few world leaders to endorse Clinton, but has today said the Italo-American friendship is 'solid'

'I wish him well. The Italo-American friendship is solid,' Renzi said at the start of a speech in Rome.

Renzi was one of the few world leaders to endorse Clinton and opposition politicians were swift to condemn him today, saying that by doing so, he had weakened Rome's international standing.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto congratulated the US on its election - but did not directly congratulate winner Donald Trump, who alarmed many by describing Mexican migrants as murderers and rapists.

Pena Nieto sent a series of tweets repeating his readiness to work with Trump 'in favor of the bilateral relationship'.

He said Mexico and the US 'are friends, partners and allies who should continue collaborating for the competitiveness and development of North America'.

The value of Mexico's peso currency plunged sharply after the election of Trump, who has denounced the North American Free Trade Agreement. 

Trump meeting Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto in August. Trump's comments about Mexico, and pledge to build a wall along the US border, have been among the most contentious moments in the race for the White House

Analyst Alejandro Hope described Trump's election as 'probably something as close to a national emergency as Mexico has faced in many decades'.

Mexican Foreign Minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu said today that the country's government would not pay for Trump's proposed wall along the US border. 

Trump's threat that Mexico will pay for the wall had become a key feature of his speeches.

Turkey's justice minister said he is cautiously optimistic of improved relations with the US.

Bekiz Bozdag told the state-run Anadolu Agency: 'In essence our relations are relations between two states and we hope that under the new presidential term the Turkish-US relations will be much better.

'That is our expectation.'

Bozdag noted that Trump's win came despite intense campaigning in favor of his rival Hillary Clinton.

'I saw an intense campaign for Hillary Clinton's victory. Artists, sportsmen, all personalities worked for Clinton's victory. But in elections, it is important to embrace the people,' Bozdag said. 

'No one has won elections through newspaper headlines, opinion polls or television (campaigns).'

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban wrote on Facebook: 'What great news. Democracy is still alive'

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban congratulated Trump with the words: 'What  great news. Democracy is still alive.'

The comment was posted on his Facebook page.

Orban said in July that Trump's plans on migration and foreign policy were 'vital' for Hungary, whereas those of rival Democrat Hillary Clinton were 'deadly'.

Orban was then the first European head of state to express a clear preference for either of the two candidates. 

Poland's President Andrzej Duda reminded Trump of the 'strategic partnership' between the two nations

The President of Poland has reminded Trump of the 'strategic partnership' between the nations, amid concerns that the region could be more vulnerable if the USA's NATO allies are not protected.  

Andrzej Duda wrote to Trump: 'Polish-American relations have become an important pillar of European and trans-Atlantic stability.

'We are particularly pleased that that during this year's NATO summit in Warsaw the United States decided to increase its military presence in Poland.' 

The result was also welcomed by controversial far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders, who has previously hit out at what he describes as the Islamification of the Netherlands

Danish prime minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said in a written statement that the election had been 'exceptionally tough and confrontational'.

He said: 'When the dust has settled, it is my hope that the next administration would continue the open and constructive cooperation that has characterized the United States for many years.

'Europe needs a strong United States, which is leading the free world and is based on democracy and dialogue.'

TRUMP'S POPULISM CONQUERS THE WHITE HOUSE: EUROPE REACTS TO REPUBLICAN'S SURPRISE ELECTION 

By Gerard Couzens

Catalan daily El Periodico posted a cover picture of Trump on its website above the words: 'God Bless America', claiming: 'The populism of the Republican candidate has imposed itself and provoked the defeat of Hillary Clinton.' 

Leading national El Mundo proclaimed: 'Hillary Clinton has failed with women and Hispanics.' 

The paper’s special envoy to New York Irene Velasco wrote: “Let’s say it loud and clear. 

'Hillary Clinton is a woman who an important part of the United States don’t like.

'And it’s been like that for a while. They don’t like her arrogance, they don’t like the fact she’s been in politics all her life, they don’t like the fact she symbolises the Washington establishment.' 

Right-wing daily ABC said: 'Trump’s populism conquers the White House.' 

Its Washington correspondent Manuel Erice Oronoz posted an article titled: 'Trump, the triumph of the daring narcissist' which began: 'Meglomaniac, big child, egocentric, fraudster, charlatan, Hitler’s successor, last fascist, mentally ill…the list of definitions and descriptions Donald Trump has accumulated mark an era.'

Raphael Minder, the New York Times correspondent in Spain, told a popular Spanish morning TV programme today: 'It’s an unexpected victory when you think that two years ago it didn’t even like look like Trump could win the Republican primaries and a week ago he was saying he wouldn’t accept his defeat.' 

Trump's victory has split experts across the world this morning, but Spain's Foreign Minister has cautiously welcomed the election result

Pilar Garcia de la Granja, US Chief correspondent for leading Spanish TV channel Telecinco, told daily morning show ‘El Programa de Ana Rosa’: 'Millions of people in the States are fed up with being lied to. 

'Millions of people do two or three jobs just to be able to reach the end of the month. 

'There’s a heroin epidemic here among young people. Heroin cigarettes are cheaper in some states than a headache tablet.' 

But leading Spanish journalist Arcadi Espada said: “The largest producer of lies in the history of America politics is Trump. 'It’s the spreading of lies that has led this man to the presidency of the United States.' 

Alfonso Dastis, Spain’s newly-elected Foreign Minister, said: 'I think things will go well. We at least are going to work in that direction. We have worked hard over these years to consolidate our close relationship with the US.' 

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has congratulated Trump on his win

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas wrote in a statement that he 'congratulates the elected American president, Donald Trump, and hopes that peace will be achieved during his term'.

An Abbas aide, Saeb Erekat, said Wednesday he doesn't expect US positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to change under Trump.

Erekat said the Republican and Democratic parties are both committed to a two-state solution of the conflict and said: 'I think this will not change with the coming administration'.

Trump has proposed moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem, even though the US has not recognized Israel's annexation of parts of the city. 

The first Middle Eastern leader to offer congratulations to Trump on winning the presidency was reportedly the Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who telephoned a message of support to the new President.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Trump as a 'true friend of the State of Israel', and said he was confident that his country's relationship with the US would reach 'new heights'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he is confident that he and Trump can bring US-Israeli relations to 'new heights'.

In a statement congratulating the Republican candidate, Netanyahu - who had a difficult relationship with President Barack Obama - said: 'President-elect Trump is a true friend of the State of Israel, and I look forward to working with him to advance security, stability and peace in our region.

'I am confident that President-elect Trump and I will continue to strengthen the unique alliance between our two countries and bring it to ever greater heights.' 

Saudi Arabia's King Salman wished Trump luck in his 'mission to achieve security and stability in the Middle East and worldwide'

Congratulating Trump on the win, Saudi Arabia's King Salman praised 'historic and tight' ties with the United States and wished him success 'in your mission to achieve security and stability in the Middle East and worldwide'.

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan also said his country was eager to strengthen "strategic relations" with Washington.

Iran's President has warned Trump against ripping up last year's nuclear deal, made between his country and world powers - claiming the US no longer has the capacity to create 'Iranophobia'.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned Trump against trying to rip up last year's nuclear deal - saying the US no longer has the capacity to 'create Iranophobia'

Hassan Rouhani said: 'The accord was not concluded with one country or government but was approved by a resolution of the UN Security Council and there is no possibility that it can be changed by a single government.

'The United States no longer has the capacity to create Iranophobia and to create a consensus against Iran.'

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Trump needed to 'understand the realities of today's world'.

'The most important thing is that the future US president stick to agreements, to engagements undertaken,' he said. 

A statement from the Taliban has demanded that Trump withdraws all US forces from Afghanistan when he takes office

Afghanistan’s former Interior Minister Mohammad Omar Daudzai said: 'Ronald Reagan ended the Cold War. 

'I hope Donald Trump will end all wars and become hero of peace in the world. People of Afghanistan are tired of war. We want him to invest heavily in bringing peace to war torn Afghanistan and stabilize our region.'

The country’s president Ashraf Ghani congratulated Trump on his astonishing victory. He stated that USA is a strategic partner of the Afghan government and people – in the fight against terrorism and development.

In a statement issued by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid to Associated Press, the organisation called for Trump to withdraw all US forces from Afghanistan when he takes office. 

Trump triumphs: The election result has been greeted with shock across Europe

'WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WE'RE FACING': GERMANY'S SHOCK AND UNCERTAINTY OVER SURPRISE VICTORY

By Allan Hall in Berlin 

'We are heavily shocked,' said Ursula von der Leyen, Germany's defence minister - four words which seemed to sum up the national mood on learning of the Trump White House victory. 

'Of course, we Europeans know as NATO partners that Donald Trump will ask himself what we are contributing to the alliance,' the conservative member of Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) told the public TV network ARD.

'But we will also be asking, what is your position on the alliance. Many questions are open. A responsible and open America is in our interests.

Ursula von der Leyen, Germany's defence minister, said leaders were 'heavily shocked' at Trump's victory

'I also think that Donald Trump knows that this wasn't an election for him, but against Washington, against the establishment,' von der Leyen added.

'With Mr. Trump we really don't know what we're facing,' said centre left SPD foreign policy spokesman Niels Annen.

Green party leader Cem Özdemir called the possibility of his presidency a 'break with the tradition that the West stands for liberal values,' and he warned that the United States could turn its back on the rest of the world.

Left party chairman Bernd Riexinger said: 'He won't be able to offer anything at all to the people who he's promised all kinds of things.'

The only German party to welcome Trump's victory outright was the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD). Deputy party leader Beatrix von Storch was quick to draw parallels with the European political situation. "The victory of Donald Trump is a signal that the citizens of the Western world want a clear political change," she wrote on her Facebook page.

Her party colleague Marcus Pretzell took to Twitter to ask for more "optimism" and less 'fearmongering' from the German media.

In Berlin, the small group Republicans Overseas celebrated the win.

'A Trump victory just goes to show how much Americans hate being told what to do,' the Berlin branch wrote on Facebook.

'If he wins, it's laid directly at the feet of the media establishment, the sneering, snotty coastal elites, and all the social justice warriors whose bigotry against rural America caused small town USA to rise up and say ENOUGH!' 

Trump supporters celebrate The Donald's surprise election victory

Northern Ireland's political leaders have congratulated Trump.

First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness expressed hope the region's long-standing relationship with the US would be strengthened during Mr Trump's time at the White House.

Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster said she looks forward to working with the Trump administration

Mrs Foster said: 'We are a small region but we are fortunate to have strong historical, economic and political ties to the United States.

'Northern Ireland has developed a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States and I look forward to working with Donald Trump's administration to continue this.

'As our largest inward investor the United States plays a massive role in our economic progress.'

Sinn Fein's Mr McGuinness said: 'Over many years successive US administrations have made a major contribution to both our peace process and economic development and I expect this to continue.

'I commiserate with Hillary Clinton who showed unwavering commitment to the north of Ireland as Secretary of State and First Lady.' 

During the presidential campaign, Irish Taoiseach branded comments by Trump 'racist and dangerous', but now said he is happy to work with the President-elect

The Irish Taoiseach has softened his criticism of Trump following the presidential election result.

Enda Kenny has said 'racist and dangerous' remarks made by Trump were made in the 'heat of battle'.

He said today: 'I recall a comment made in the Dail (Irish parliament), when asked if I would agree that comments made in the heat of battle, in a primary election, by the president-elect, before he was nominated formally as a candidate, were racist and dangerous.

'And I said "yes", in respect of those comments. I listened very carefully to the president-elect this morning, and the first thing he said was, it was now time to heal wounds, to build partnerships, to work constructively with people of the US and every other country and people who want to work with him.

'I am very happy that the (Irish) government will work with the new administration when appointed by the president-elect.' 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he will work with Trump not just for Canadians and Americans 'but for the whole world'

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed to work with Trump 'in a positive way'.

Trudeau told students in Ottawa that he will work with Trump not just for Canadians and Americans 'but for the whole world'.

The prospect of Americans moving to Canada after Trump's win drew so much online interest it temporarily knocked out Canada's immigration website.

Internet searches for "move to Canada" spiked last night as election returns favored Trump. 'Canada' was a leading US trend on Twitter.

The website for Citizenship and Immigration Canada went down due to a surge in traffic. 

Andree-Lyne Halle, a spokeswoman for Trudeau, said staff worked throughout the night to resolve the issue. 

A US flag is hoisted in the small town of Sevnica, Slovenia, the birthplace of Trump's wife Melania

The president of Slovenia - the home country of future US First Lady Melania Trump - says he hopes relations with the US will further improve during Donald Trump's presidency.

President Boris Pahor said: 'We are allied as part of NATO and I will strive for the friendship and the alliance to deepen further.'

Melania Trump was born as Melanija Knavs in the industrial Slovenian town of Sevnica before working internationally as a model. 

Members of the 'Hindu Sena' group celebrate Trump's victory in New Delhi today

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Donald Trump, who had praised him during his presidential campaign

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has voiced optimism about Trump's election, tweeting that 'we appreciate the friendship you have articulated toward India during your campaign'.

He added that 'we look forward to working with you closely to take India-US bilateral ties to a new height'.

Trump had reached out to Indian-American voters at a rally in New Jersey in mid-October, praising Modi and vowing to defeat terrorism while acknowledging that India had suffered terror strikes, including the deadly 2008 attacks that killed 164 people.

Activists from 'Hindu Sena', or Hindu Army, celebrate Trump's victory in New Delhi, India, this morning

In the Indian capital today, a small group of men from the right-wing Hindu nationalist group Hindu Sena celebrated Trump's victory at a central protest ground, where they brandished posters and photos of the US president-elect while dancing and sharing sweets.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, branded Trump's win 'historic', praising the Republican's commitment to free enterprise.

He said Trump's election 'is indeed the triumph of the American people and their enduring faith in the ideals of democracy, freedom, human rights and free enterprise'. 

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has instructed one of his top aides to visit Washington as early as next week

Japan is set to send a top official to Washington to meet senior figures in the next White House administration.

Katsuyuki Kawai, a political aide to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in charge of diplomacy, told reporters after meeting with Abe that he had been instructed to visit Washington as early as next week.

Abe's instruction came when results showed Republican candidate Donald Trump with a clear lead. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said it was not because Japan was unprepared for Trump's win.

He said: 'We have been preparing so that we can respond to any situation because our stance is that our alliance with the US remains to be the cornerstone of our diplomacy whoever becomes the next president.'   

Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak has said Trump's victory shows politicians cannot take voters for granted

The prime minister of Malaysia said Trump's victory is a sign that voters cannot be taken for granted by politicians.

Supporter: Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen announced his support for Trump before the election

Najib Razak - who is currently embroiled in a scandal over the alleged theft by his associates of several billion dollars from a state investment fund, which is being investigated by the US Justice Department - congratulated the Republican.

He said Trump's 'appeal to Americans who have been left behind, those who want to see their government more focused on their interests and welfare, and less embroiled in foreign interventions that proved to be against US interests, have won Mr. Trump the White House'. 

Cambodia's long-serving authoritarian prime minister Hun Sen described Trump as 'your excellency', and pointed out that he had announced his support days earlier.

On his official Facebook page, the prime minister said: 'American voters have shown their choice to elect your excellency... My support for your candidacy is not wrong either.'  

The leader of the world's most populous Muslim nation has vowed to work with Trump's administration - but experts say many in the country are shocked.

South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se said that he believed Donald Trump would maintain the current US policy of pressuring North Korea over its nuclear and missile tests.

He said: 'Trump has indicated that the greatest problem facing the world is the nuclear threat and members of his national security team hold the position that favours applying strong pressure against the North.'

He made the comments in a meeting with members of parliament scheduled to discuss the results of the U.S. presidential election. The North conducted its fourth and fifth nuclear tests in January and September, drawing widespread international condemnation. 

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte offered 'warm congratulations' to Trump and said he looks forward to working with the incoming administration

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte offered 'warm congratulations' to Trump and looks forward to working with him to enhance relations, a Philippine minister said on Wednesday.

Duterte, who has expressed outrage almost daily with the Obama administration and threatened repeatedly to end one of Washington's most important Asian alliances, hailed the success of US democratic system and the American way of life, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement.

Indonesian president Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo said 'good relations' would continue with the US

Duterte 'looks 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,' he said. 

Indonesian president Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo said: 'We will keep good relations, especially in trade and investment as we know the U.S. is one of Indonesia's major investors. I think there will be no change.'

But noted Islamic scholar Komaruddin Hidayat said the outcome was 'shocking' for many. Hidayat, who is also rector of Indonesia's state-run Islamic University, says Trump has signaled backing for ultra-nationalist, isolationist and protectionist policies which could be harmful.

He said: 'Trump's isolationist policy will certainly harm Americans because in the era of globalization no country can live alone.' 

SOUTH AMERICA REACTS TO TRUMP VICTORY 

Argentina's Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra had previously said the country would feel 'more comfortable' if Hillary Clinton won

By Gerard Couzens

Argentina's Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra, who said before the US elections that Argentina would feel ‘more comfortable’ with a Hillary Clinton win, congratulated Trump on his election victory, tweeting: 'Congratulations Donald Trump on being elected as the new president of the United States.

'The north American people have spoken at the polls.

'Congratulations to democracy and its institutions.'

But she added in a second tweet: 'Congratulations to Hillary Clinton for her great campaign.

'A shame to see such a capable woman not being chosen to fulfill such an important responsibility.'

There was no immediate word from Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto.

But Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, leader of left-wing political party MORENA, said he was not worried about Trump’s election win because Mexico was a 'free, independent and sovereign' country.

Donald Trump was congratulated by Argentina's Foreign Minister after his victory in the race for the White House

Addressing the nation in a video believed to have been filmed just before the election result was known, he said: 'I feel it’s important at this time to transmit this message to all Mexicans, to immigrant workers and their families as well as entrepreneurs and investors.

'There’s no need to worry with the result of the US election results.

'Don’t forget that Mexico, because of the effort and hard work of our founding fathers, is a free, independent and sovereign country. It’s not a colony or a protectorate and is not dependent on any foreign government. We need to be calm.'

Colombian political analyst Vicente Torrijos told the country’s leading daily El Tiempo the States was heading down a risky path because Trump was an 'unpredictable person with “very individualistic and explosive tendencies'.

Rival paper El Espectador, in a piece written by Juan Carlos Rincon Escalante, said: 'The US is a disaster but Trump knows how to fix it (at least he says he does).

'Multi-millionaire. Rude. Misogynist. Xenophobe. Racist. Liar. What’s his appeal?' 

EU Council President Donald Tusk (left) and his Commission counterpart Jean-Claude Juncker (right) have invited Trump to visit the European Union

Trump has been invited to visit the European Union to assess trans-Atlantic ties.

EU Council President Donald Tusk and his Commission counterpart Jean-Claude Juncker said that, despite Trump's campaign talk of protectionism and isolationism, both sides 'should consolidate the bridges we have been building across the Atlantic'.

After the shock election result, Tusk and Juncker said that 'it is more important than ever to strengthen trans-Atlantic relations'.

Tusk told reporters in Brussels that 'while respecting the democratic choice of the American people, we are the same time aware of the new challenges that these results bring'.

He spoke of a 'moment of uncertainty over the future of our trans-Atlantic relations'.

Optimism about Trump's forthcoming presidency has been voiced by the Minister of Information in South Sudan.

Michael Makuei said he believed it would be 'better for all' when the new leader is in place, criticising Barack Obama.

He said: 'I really doubt President Obama had any clear policy to South Sudan other than to destroy it. 

'So we will definitely expect better relations with Trump... and the USA after the election.'

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said: 'The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly'

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of congratulations to Trump, stating: 'The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly'.

Kenyatta said 'the ties that bind Kenya and the United States of America are close and strong'.

Trump was congratulated by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari - with experts believing the uncertainty caused by the Republican candidate's victory will benefit the country.

Lagos-based SBM Intelligence risk analysts say the uncertainty generated by Trump's win should be good for Nigeria, the African oil giant, since it will weaken the US dollar.

But not everyone in Nigeria embraced Trump. At an election watch party organized by the US Embassy in Lagos, Nigerian artist Nike Davies-Okundaye called Hillary Clinton 'my hero'.

Oby Ezekwesili, a founder of the Bring Back Our Girls movement for schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram, also praised Clinton and said 'I can't wait for my friend to be in the White House.'

As Clinton's loss became apparent, people pulled down the red, blue and white balloons and began popping them in disappointment.