What World Leaders Said in Their New Year's Speech

Image credit: AFP/Reuters

Russian President Vladimir Putin made only passing reference in his New Year address to his war in Ukraine. He hailed his soldiers as heroes but mostly emphasising unity and shared determination. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a New Year address said Ukraine had become stronger in overcoming serious difficulties as the war against Russia is almost two years old. He mentioned the word "war" 14 times in a 20-minute address. 

US President Joe Biden said in an interview ahead of the New Year ball drop that he hoped celebrants realised "we're in a better position than any country in the world to lead the world".  

In a televised speech, China President Xi Jinping said that the country will consolidate and enhance the positive trend of its economic recovery in 2024, and sustain long-term economic development with deeper reforms. 

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the responsibility of both sides. 

North Korea vowed to launch three new spy satellites, build military drones and boost its nuclear arsenal in 2024 as leader Kim Jong Un said US policy is making war inevitable, state media reported. 

French President Emmanuel Macron in a televised address ahead of New Year celebrations said 2024 would be "the year of our French pride" marked by the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games and the reopening of Notre-Dame cathedral after a devastating fire. 

Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in his traditional year-end address that 2023 held "so much suffering and bloodshed," but promised "we in Germany will get through this."