World leaders hope for brighter prospects for countries, international community in 2019

BEIJING — World leaders looked back on 2018 and looked ahead to the coming 2019 in their New Year’s speeches, expecting brighter prospects for their countries as well as the international community.

Putin: Improved ties between China, US

In his New Year greeting message, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the “comprehensive trust-based partnership” between Russia and China, saying that effective joint work of the two sides will continue in the coming year.

Putin also underlined that Russia-US relations are of great importance for global security and stability, reaffirming Russia’s readiness to resume dialogue with the United States.

Kim Jong-un: Lasting peace on the peninsula

The top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un stressed his determination to establish lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula and seek “complete denuclearization” only if the US takes corresponding measures.

“I am always ready to sit down again with the US president at any time and will make efforts to produce an outcome that the international community would welcome,” Kim said in his New Year speech.

Merkel: Seek global solutions at the UN

German Chancellor Angela Merkel addressed in her New Year speech that Germany wanted to take on more responsibilities and solve problems like climate change, the regulation of migration and fight against terrorism as the country will occupy a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in the coming two years.

As for Brexit, Merkel emphasized that Germany “wants to maintain a close partnership with Britain” despite its withdrawal from the European Union.

May: A new chapter of optimism and hope

British Prime Minister Theresa May appealed to the House of Commons to vote for her Brexit deal in her New Year video message as she failed to reach any consensus with EU leaders during negotiations in the Christmas period.

The prime minister said that the country can “start a new chapter with optimism and hope” and British people should “put our differences aside and move forward together”.

Macron: Truth, dignity, hope and listening

In his end of year address, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed to his country wishes for truth, dignity and hope for 2019.

Macron also expressed wishes for “listening, dialogue, humility”. The French president also underlined that it will be necessary to be more responsive to ensure the rights of everyone in society. The president finally expressed his wishes for hope, especially with the action launched by the government for “our schools, our universities, for learning and work-study programs”.

Abe: Ties with China, domestic challenges

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in his New Year speech that Japan will usher in a new era in its ties with China in the new year.

The prime minister also promised to deal with Japan’s low birthrate and aging population, with a free public preschool education program set to take effect in October for all children aged between three and five.

Lopez Obrador: Root out corruption

In his New Year’s Eve message, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador promised “to root out” corruption and bring about a national “rebirth”.

“With a good government, which is what was missing, we are going to accomplish the rebirth of our country. There is going to be progress with justice,” said Lopez Obrador, calling on Mexicans to welcome 2019 “with optimism”.