The Albany Gazette - 'Dear friend': Nations react to Trump inauguration

Here are some of the first reactions after Trump took the oath of office for a second term:

- 'Just peace': Ukraine -

"President Trump is always decisive, and the peace through strength policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is the top priority," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

- 'Turbo-charged' spending: NATO -

NATO chief Mark Rutte said Trump's return "will turbo-charge defence spending and production" at the alliance.

- 'Best days' to come: Israel -

"I believe that working together again we will raise the US-Israel alliance to even greater heights," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding "the "best days of our alliance are yet to come".

- US, Italy facing 'global challenges' -

"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, together facing global challenges and building a future of prosperity and security for our peoples," Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on social media.

She also cited a role for Italy in "consolidating the dialogue between the United States and Europe".

- Canal to remain Panama's: president -

Panama reacted sharply to Trump's pledge that the United States would be "taking back" the Panama Canal, saying the key interoceanic waterway would remain under its control.

"The canal is and will remain Panama's," President Jose Raul Mulino said in a statement published on social media.

- 'Work closely': EU -

"The EU looks forward to working closely with you to tackle global challenges," EU chief Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X. "Together, our societies can achieve greater prosperity and strengthen their common security."

- 'Dear friend': India -

"I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries, and to shape a better future for the world," said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulating his "dear friend" Trump.

- 'Strongest' working together: Canada -

"We are strongest when we work together, and I look forward to working with President Trump," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, adding -- after Trump threatened to impose 25-percent tariffs on Canadian imports -- that "Canada and the United States have the world's most successful economic partnership."

- 'Closest ally': Germany -

"The US is our closest ally and the aim of our policy is always a good transatlantic relationship," said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

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(E.Taylor--TAG)