Trump discusses Middle East, Ukraine and trade in calls with world leaders
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President-elect Trump in Miami, Florida, earlier this year. Photo: Clive Mason/Getty Images
President-elect Trump held his first discussions with world leaders on Wednesday since his presidential election win, as he received a series of congratulatory phone calls.
The big picture: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he was "among the first to call" Trump, while India's prime minister and the offices of the Canadian PM and South Korean president also said they had conversations with the Republican leader.
The intrigue: Netanyahu's office said on X that the two leaders had a "warm and cordial" conversation as they "agreed to work together for Israel's security" and discussed the threat of Iran, which U.S. intelligence officials say was behind a plot to assassinate Trump.
- Trump and Netanyahu fell out during the American's first term, but Axios' Barak Ravid notes they have since set aside their differences and have spoken frequently on the phone in recent months.
What they're saying:
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Trump discussed the "enduring and successful partnership" between the two countries and trade, according to the Canadian PM's office.
- This included the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal that Trump and Trudeau "successfully negotiated in the President's first term."
- They also discussed North American security and their "shared interest in secure and reliable supply chains and addressing unfair trading practices in the global economy."
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "expressed the kingdom's aspiration to strengthen the historical and strategic relations between the two countries" during a call with Trump "wishing the friendly American people progress and prosperity under His Excellency's leadership," per state media.
French President Emmanuel Macron had a "very good" 25-minute discussion with Trump during which they spoke of working together on matters such as the European Union, Ukraine and the Middle East, according to the French president's office.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X that he had a "great conversation with my friend" Trump and he looked forward to "working closely together once again to further strengthen" India-U.S. relations "across technology, defence, energy, space and several other sectors."
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Trump discussed economic cooperation, strengthening security and concerns about North Korea sending troops to support Russia in its war on Ukraine, Seoul principal deputy national security adviser Kim Tae-hyo told reporters.
- They agreed during the 12-minute call to meet in person to discuss the issues further, according to Kim.
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