A day after the completion of an amazing rescue operation that successfully extracted 12 children and their coach from a flood cave in northern Chiang Rai province, congratulations have continued to pour in from around the globe.
US President Donald Trump somehow found time in his stream-of-consciousness tweeting schedule to offer congratulations on behalf of the United States — somehow managing to refrain from taking credit for the rescue.
On behalf of the United States, congratulations to the Thai Navy SEALs and all on the successful rescue of the 12 boys and their coach from the treacherous cave in Thailand. Such a beautiful moment – all freed, great job!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 10, 2018
Popular liberal Canadian Prime Minister and all-around heartthrob Justin Trudeau chimed in with well-wishes for the courageous divers — complete with a French translation for all the Quebecois who follow his account.
Wonderful to hear that all 12 boys and their coach were rescued. Congratulations and thanks to the courageous divers who brought them back to their families – I wish them all the best in their recovery. https://t.co/v73dSrhyTD
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 10, 2018
Ravi d’apprendre que les 12 garçons et leur entraîneur ont été secourus. Merci aux plongeurs courageux qui les ont ramenés à leur famille. Je souhaite à tous un prompt rétablissement. https://t.co/VNk00FXuUH
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 10, 2018
UK Prime Minister Theresa May — currently facing a Brexit-related crisis back home — said she was “delighted” with the news, and saluted “the bravery of all those involved.”
Delighted to see the successful rescue of those trapped in the caves in Thailand. The world was watching and will be saluting the bravery of all those involved.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) July 10, 2018
Steffen Seibert, head of Germany’s Press and Information Office, correctly identified the successful mission as “wunderbare,” before stating his admiration for “the perseverance of the brave boys and their coach.”
Was für eine wunderbare Nachricht aus #Thailand! So vieles zu bewundern: der Durchhaltewille der tapferen Jungs und ihres Trainers, das Können und die Entschlossenheit der Retter.
— Steffen Seibert (@RegSprecher) July 10, 2018
Though Belgium just suffered a nail-biting defeat to France in the World Cup, its foreign minister, Didier Reynders, was still a good international team player, tweeting that he was “relieved and happy” to hear of a better outcome for both the Belgian divers who volunteered and the Thai Navy SEALs.
He also offered up his thoughts for Saman Kunan, the rescue diver who lost his life while exiting Luang Cave on Friday.
Relieved with the happy outcome of the #ThaiCaveRescue from the #ThamLuangCave in #Thailand. Congratulations to the brave rescuers, including several #Belgian divers. 🇧🇪🇹🇭 Thoughts also go out to the Thai Navy Seal who gave his life in this rescue operation.
— didier reynders (@dreynders) July 10, 2018
António Guterres, secretary general of the United Nations, routinely vocal about humanitarian issues around the world, also sent congratulations. “An example of international solidarity to inspire us all” he wrote — hear, hear António.
Congratulations to the brave team that rescued 12 boys and their football coach from flooded caves in Thailand. Such a relief for the boys and their families.
An example of international solidarity to inspire us all.— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) July 10, 2018
Dr. Olusegun Mimik, a former governor in Nigeria, quoted a Yoruba proverb highlighting the fact that Thailand’s “desire” for help from the outside world brought it just that. Adding that entire incident provided a “lesson” for Nigeria’s government: “Citizens’ lives matter!”
A Yoruba proverb says that it is the child that demonstrates desire by lifting his arms that gets lifted. #Thailand showed desire and the world came with help. The #caverescuethailand exciting! A lesson for Nigeria’s govt..Citizens’ lives matter!!
— Dr Olusegun Mimiko (@Segunmimiko) July 11, 2018
Though not exactly a world leader, it’s good to know that US first lady Melania Trump is still trying win us back after wearing her controversial “I really don’t really care, do U?” jacket to visit migrant children at the Texas-mexico border a couple of weeks back. We’ll give it up to the FLOTUS for her blessedly irony free shout-out to the kids and their rescuers.
Wonderful to hear all 12 boys & their coach are out of the cave in #Thailand. What an amazing & heroic global effort! Wishing them all a speedy recovery.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) July 10, 2018
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