World leaders wish Trumps speedy recovery from virus

ANKARA

World leaders on Friday wished US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump speedy recovery after the couple contracted the novel coronavirus.

Russian President Vladimir Putin -- known for his warm relations with the US leader -- wished a speedy recovery to Donald Trump and his wife Melania.

In a telegram posted on the presidential website, Putin expressed his sincere support to the presidential couple "at this very difficult moment".

"I am sure that your inherent vitality, cheerfulness and optimism will help you cope with a dangerous virus," Putin said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel also said: "Sending all my good wishes to Donald and Melania Trump."

“I hope that they come through their corona infection well and are completely healthy again soon,” she added, her spokesperson Steffen Seibert wrote on Twitter.

“My best wishes to @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS. I hope they both have a speedy recovery from COVID-19,” said NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Twitter.

Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, was also among the leaders wishing the US president wellness.

“COVID-19 is a battle we all continue to fight. Everyday. No matter where we live,” he said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also said: “My best wishes to President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS for a full and speedy recovery.”

President Trump said early Friday he and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for COVID-19 after one of his closest aides had done the same.

"Tonight, @FLOTUS [US first lady] and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!" said Trump on Twitter.

The announcement came hours after Hope Hicks, one of Trump's closest aides, tested positive Thursday for the virus.

More than 207,800 people in the US have died from the disease so far, with over 7.27 million people infected, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

* Elena Teslova contributed to this story from Moscow.