Pacific leaders have extended congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump on his electoral victory, signaling their commitment to enhancing ties with the U.S and addressing shared goals in the Indo-Pacific region.
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka conveyed his well wishes, highlighting hopes for a peaceful and prosperous tenure under Trump’s leadership.
“It is my sincere hope and prayer that President-elect Trump’s time in office will be marked by peace, unity, progress, and prosperity for all Americans and the global community,” Rabuka stated.
“Fiji looks forward to deepening bilateral ties with the U.S and further pursuing our shared aspirations, including promoting peace and economic growth in the Pacific and beyond. May God bless President-elect Trump and the American people. God bless us all,” he said.
In Tonga, Prime Minister and Pacific Islands Forum Chair Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni also congratulated Trump on his election win, emphasising Tonga’s intent to advance its relationship with the U.S in the coming years.
Sovaleni took to social media to share his sentiments, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Congratulations, President Trump @realDonaldTrump. I look forward to advancing Tonga-U.S bilateral relations and pursuing Pacific interests and initiatives that benefit our people and our region.”
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape extended similar sentiments, expressing optimism about fostering continued collaboration under the Trump administration.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, I extend heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump on his election as President,” Marape said.
“We look forward to reinforcing the longstanding partnership between our nations, grounded in shared values and mutual respect.”
Marape also thanked outgoing President Joe Biden for his commitment to strengthening U.S-PNG relations, acknowledging Biden’s focus on healthcare, security, and sustainable development.
Reflecting on Vice President Kamala Harris’s contribution during the election cycle, Marape commended her resilience and historic achievements.
“Vice President Harris’s determination and leadership posed a commendable challenge in this election,” Marape noted. “Her work has inspired leaders around the world, especially women and youth in Papua New Guinea.
Her commitment to key issues like climate resilience and women’s empowerment has left an enduring legacy.”
Marape highlighted how U.S.-PNG ties had strengthened under Biden, citing the signing of the Defence Cooperation Agreement in May 2023 as a milestone in regional security and stability.
“U.S support in healthcare and infrastructure has greatly advanced Papua New Guinea’s development goals,” Marape added, pledging to work closely with the Trump administration to further Pacific peace, prosperity, and sustainable growth.
Across the Tasman Sea, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered his congratulations to President-elect Trump, calling the U.S-Australia alliance “enduring and essential.”
“Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his election victory,” Albanese stated on X.
“Australians and Americans are great friends and true allies. Working together, we can ensure the partnership between our nations remains strong into the future.”
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed these sentiments, confirming her government’s commitment to a close alliance with the Trump administration.
“Congratulations, U.S President Donald Trump, on your election victory,” Wong said.
“The Albanese Government is dedicated to strengthening the long-standing partnership between our countries and advancing our shared interests.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also congratulated President-elect Trump, emphasising the deep ties between New Zealand and the United States.
“The relationship between our two countries is strong and enduring,” Luxon said. “I look forward to developing even closer relations with the incoming Trump Administration.”
Luxon highlighted the U.S as one of New Zealand’s most significant partners, noting its position as New Zealand’s second-largest export destination and a key source of global innovation.
“Our cooperation, both bilaterally and in our region, has been vital for prosperity and security,” he added.
Luxon also expressed appreciation for outgoing President Biden, lauding his commitment to advancing shared interests and supporting the Indo-Pacific region.
