CONGRATULATIONS were flowing in from world leaders for Donald Trump prior to the official declaration of his victory in the 2024 presidential election over Vice President Harris.

At the time of writing, Mr Trump was just three votes shy of White House win.

The well wishes came from key allies that Mr Trump will work with to address issues on the global stage, including United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Mr Starmer said in a statement that he looks forward to working with Mr Trump in the years ahead and that the UK and US "stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.

Mr Macron called back to their time working together during Mr Trump's first term, saying he is ready to collaborate as they did for four years previously.

"With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity," Mr Macron said.

Mr Zelensky, who has worked to maintain a close relationship with the US, especially since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, called Mr Trump's win "impressive" and said he looked forward to continuing the country's partnership.

His statement comes as the issue of continued US aid for Ukraine has become polarized, with greater numbers of Republicans declaring their opposition to it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump and the incoming first lady, Melania, on "history's greatest comeback."

"Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America," he said.

Mr Trump also received congratulations from Jens Stoltenberg, who served as secretary-general of NATO until his term ended in October.

Mr Trump has frequently criticized NATO throughout his political career, arguing that other members do not commit enough of their budgets to defense spending as recommended

"In a world of growing instability, strong US leadership remains essential," Stoltenberg said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hungary's Victor Orban have been among the first world leaders to congratulate Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential election.

In his statement, Mr Netanyahu spoke of "history's greatest comeback", adding that Trump's return to office offered a "new beginning for America, a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America".

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban - a close ally - said Mr Trump's election was "a much-needed victory for the world".

"The biggest comeback in US political history!" he wrote in a post on X.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Trump, describing him as a friend on X: "As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership.

"Together, let's work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity."

A spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry, Maria Zakharova, said the US should cure its own democracy, and not blame others for its own failures, referring to US accusations of Russian interference in the presidential election.