World leaders welcome 2019
As 2018 drew to a close, leaders around the world reflected on their nation's accomplishments, challenges and what lies ahead in 2019.
Merkel: 'We must fight for our convictions'
German Chancellor Angela Merkel told Germans that global cooperation will be essential to tackle challenges such as climate change, immigration and the fight against terrorism in 2019. "For our own interests, we want to solve all these questions, and we can do that best when we also take into consideration the interests of others," Merkel said.
Macron seeks unity
French President Emmanuel Macron was upbeat and resolute in his end of year address. "I believe in us," he said. Macron addressed the discontent expressed in the recent yellow vest protests, but encouraged the French to remember the country's prosperity. "Let's stop running ourselves down and making believe that France is a country where solidarity doesn't exist," Macron said.
May looks ahead to Brexit
UK Prime Minister Theresa May's New Year's speech highlighted Britain's upcoming exit from the European Union. She urged British lawmakers to approve her Brexit plan so that "Britain can turn a corner." May urged citizens on both sides of the Brexit debate to put their differences aside and unite going forward. "Together I believe we can start a new chapter with optimism and hope," she said.
Putin asks Russians to work together
Russia celebrated the arrival of 2019 across 11 time zones and at each one President Vladimir Putin's New Year's address was broadcast. Putin urged citizens to work together. "We can achieve positive results only through our own efforts and well-coordinated team work," he said. Putin stressed that improving quality of life in Russia will remain a top priority in 2019.
Xi Jinping praises China's achievements
Though New Year's Eve is not widely celebrated in mainland China — the country observes the lunar New Year in February — President Xi Jinping still marked the occasion by addressing the nation. He outlined what China had accomplished in 2018. "We have put forward China's proposals and sent out China's voice," Xi said of the many multinational meetings that China hosted this past year.
Donald Trump ends 2018 on Twitter
US President Donald Trump marked the end of 2018 at the White House, where he addressed multiple subjects on Twitter. He celebrated his decision to withdraw troops from Syria and defended his planned border wall that led to a government shutdown a week before the New Year. In a short clip, Trump wished Americans a "really, really, Happy New Year" and said 2019 would be a "great year."