Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was reportedly the first international leader to congratulate Donald Trump after his victory in the United States presidential election.
"Egypt hopes the presidency of Donald Trump will inject new life in Egyptian-American relations," Sisi's administration said in a statement, according to Reuters.
Sisi and Trump met previously in September in New York. After the meeting, a friendly bond seemed to develop between the two leaders, with Sisi saying there is "no doubt" that Trump would be a strong leader.
Other Arab leaders have been quick to express their congratulations and hopes for greater cooperation with the U.S. But, Trump's campaign rhetoric leaves some uncertainty about how U.S. policy will shift in the region under his leadership.
Trump's campaign was characterized by overt Islamophobia, general xenophobia and a good dose of militaristic rhetoric. But, since his election, Trump appears to be backtracking on some his more divisive comments. At the same time, in his victory speech he emphasized that American interests would "always" come first from now on. He also insisted that the U.S. "will deal fairly with everyone."
In general, Arab leaders seem to be taking an optimistic approach to Trump's election.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the ruler of Dubai and the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, tweeted his congratulations
Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed expressed his congratulations and hopes for enhancing bilateral relations
Saudi Arabia's King Salman sent a cable congratulating the president-elect
"I am pleased to send you, on behalf of the people and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in my own name, the best congratulations and wishes of good health and happiness for you and the friendly people of the United States of America further progress and prosperity, wishing you every success in your missions to achieve security and stability in the Middle East region and the world as a whole," the king said in the cable, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The Saudi Foreign Minister also expressed his desire to strengthen the kingdom's historic ties with the U.S.
Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri said Trump's win marks a "new era" for the U.S.
"We count very much on your support to advance the cause of peace, security, stability and democracy in our beleaguered region, starting with a peaceful political solution to the Syrian crisis," Hariri wrote in a congratulatory letter to Trump.
"It is a new era in Lebanon. It is a new era in the United States of America. As I look forward to cooperating with you, I wish you success in all your endeavors."
Lebanon's foreign minister shared some particularly dramatic commentary via Twitter
Gebran Bassil's comment refers to the Sep. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and the announcement of Trump's election on Nov. 9. The dates for Lebanon refer to Oct. 13, 1990, when the Syrian army stormed the Lebanese presidential palace, forcing Michel Aoun, Lebanon's recently elected president, to flee to France in exile. Oct. 31 of this year is the day Michel Aoun was elected as Lebanon's president.