{"id":274526,"date":"2020-11-08T03:43:34","date_gmt":"2020-11-08T08:43:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=274526"},"modified":"2020-11-08T03:43:52","modified_gmt":"2020-11-08T08:43:52","slug":"world-leaders-congratulate-us-president-elect-biden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2020\/11\/08\/world-leaders-congratulate-us-president-elect-biden\/","title":{"rendered":"World leaders congratulate US President-elect Biden"},"content":{"rendered":"
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World leaders on Saturday congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their capturing the White House, as projected by major media outlets. (File photo: Jason Leung\/Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

ANKARA<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 World leaders on Saturday congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their capturing the White House, as projected by major media outlets.<\/p>\n

In Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron on Twitter sent a congratulatory message to Biden and Harris saying: \u201cWe have a lot to do to overcome today\u2019s challenges. Let’s work together!\u201d<\/p>\n

Angela Merkel, Germany’s first female chancellor, congratulated Biden as well as Kamala Harris, the \u201cfirst female vice president,\u201d her spokesperson said on Twitter.<\/p>\n

“I look forward to working together with President Biden in the future. Our transatlantic friendship is indispensable if we are to face the greatest challenges of our time,\u201d said Merkel.<\/p>\n

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also took Twitter to congratulate Biden and Harris on their \u201chistoric achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe US is our most important ally and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities, from climate change to trade and security,\u201d said Johnson, whose nation forms one half of the US-UK “special relationship.”<\/p>\n

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo also said: \u201cA record number of people have cast their vote in this election. This illustrates the vibrancy of the American political life and its democracy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Robert Abela, prime minister of the island nation of Malta, also congratulated Biden and Harris on their victory, adding that Harris \u201cas first woman vp in the US \u2013 [is] so inspiring.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations to the American people and institutions for an outstanding turnout of democratic vitality,\u201d said Giuseppe Conte, Italy’s prime minister.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are ready to work with the President-elect Joe Biden to make the transatlantic relationship stronger. The US can count on Italy as a solid Ally and a strategic partner,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

While such congratulations from world leaders are standard, they carry added poignancy after nearly four years of defeated incumbent Donald Trump, who has strained US relations with most of its Western allies.<\/p>\n

Trump has promised to challenge the race’s outcome, but messages to Biden by such major players as Britain and Germany also may put pressure on the outgoing president to concede.<\/p>\n

Across the continent, congratulations<\/strong><\/p>\n

Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga said on Twitter: \u201cThis is a strong signal. Switzerland is convinced that our excellent relations with the United States will continue to develop and thrive under the new administration.\u201d<\/p>\n

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also took Twitter to congratulate Biden, saying: \u201cJoe Biden has been a true friend of Greece and I\u2019m certain that under his presidency the relationship between our countries will grow even stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz also said on Twitter: \u201cEurope and the United States share a system of values \u2013 values that we stand up for together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLooking forward to our future cooperation!\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Antonio Costa, Portugal\u2019s prime minister, tweeted: \u201cWe look forward to working with the new USA Administration to reinforce transatlantic relations and cooperate on global issues, such as climate change, defense of democracy and international security.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark Rutte, prime minister of the Netherlands, also tweeted \u201con behalf of the Dutch cabinet\u201d that he would like to congratulate Biden and Harris for \u201ctheir election victory after a close race.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am looking forward to continue the strong bond between our countries, and hope to speak with him about these matters soon,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

NATO and EU<\/strong><\/p>\n

The chief of NATO — the transatlantic alliance disparaged and strained by Biden\u2019s predecessor — also congratulated the victors.<\/p>\n

\u201cUS leadership is as important as ever in an unpredictable world, and I look forward to working very closely with President-elect Biden, Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris and the new administration to further strengthen the bond between North America and Europe,\u201d said Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in a statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need this collective strength to deal with the many challenges we face, including a more assertive Russia, international terrorism, cyber and missile threats, and a shift in the global balance of power with the rise of China. We can only be secure and successful if we face these challenges together,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the EU Commission, and European Council President Charles Michel also sent their congratulations in separate statements.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe EU and the USA are friends and allies, our citizens share the deepest of links. I look forward to working with President-elect Biden,\u201d said von der Leyen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe take note of the latest development in the electoral process. On this basis the EU congratulates President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on reaching enough Electoral Votes,\u201d said Michel.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe EU underlines, once again, its commitment to a strong transatlantic partnership and stands ready to engage with the elected President, new Congress and Administration,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Michel also hailed the record turnout of American voters.<\/p>\n

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also congratulated Biden and Harris, saying: \u201cRecord voter turnout expressed will of the American people for change.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat day for US and Europe, we look forward to working together with new administration to rebuild our partnership,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Arab leaders congratulate Biden\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Messages from Arab leaders also poured in Saturday congratulating Biden and Harris on their White House victory.<\/p>\n

Leaders from Qatar, Lebanon, and Egypt were among those welcoming the victory, as projected by major US media outlets.<\/p>\n

The emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, congratulated Biden and Harris.<\/p>\n

“I look forward to working together to continue strengthening the friendship between our countries,” Sheikh Tamim wrote on Twitter.<\/p>\n

Lebanese President Michel Aoun also congratulated Biden on his victory.<\/p>\n

Aoun expressed hope that during Biden\u2019s term “balance in the Lebanese-American relations will return for the good of the friendly Lebanese and American peoples.”<\/p>\n

Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Egypt’s president, was among the first Arab leaders to congratulate Biden.<\/p>\n

In a statement by presidential spokesperson Bassam Radi, el-Sisi said that he looks forward “for cooperation and joint action to strengthen the strategic bilateral relations between Egypt and the United States for the interest of the two countries and peoples.”<\/p>\n

Jordan\u2019s King Abdullah II also congratulated the US president-elect.<\/p>\n

“I look forward to working with you on further advancing the solid historic partnership between Jordan and the United States, in the interest of our shared objectives of peace, stability and prosperity,” Abdullah II tweeted, along with a photo of him and Biden.<\/p>\n

Palestinians voice relief<\/strong><\/p>\n

While the Palestinian leadership has yet to comment on Biden\u2019s victory, several Palestinian groups and officials expressed their satisfaction over the departure of President Donald Trump, the architect of such anti-Palestinian moves as recognizing Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital and the so-called \u201cdeal of the century.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nabil Shaath, a Senior Palestinian official, said that “nothing was worse than Trump’s era, his departure is a gain.”<\/p>\n

Hamas group leader Ismail Haniyeh did not comment directly on Biden winning, but did say: “US President Donald Trump, who sought to obliterate Palestine’s cause, has gone and Jerusalem will not go.”<\/p>\n

East Jerusalem is seen as the capital of a future Palestinian state.<\/p>\n

Asian leaders vow to work<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leaders of Asian nations took to Twitter on Saturday to congratulate Biden for his win in the presidential election.<\/p>\n

The leaders in separate messages said they will work to strengthen bilateral relations and peace in the region.<\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris. Look forward to President Elect Biden’s Global Summit on Democracy & working with him to end illegal tax havens & stealth of nation’s wealth by corrupt ldrs [leaders]. We will also continue to work with US for peace in Afghanistan & in the region,\u201d said Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.<\/p>\n

Japan\u2019s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said he would work for peace in the Indo-Pacific region.<\/p>\n

\u201cWarm congratulations to @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the Japan-US Alliance and ensure peace, freedom, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Indian Premier Narendra Modi said he looked forward to working with Biden again and vowed to strengthen India-US relations under the new administration.<\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations @JoeBiden on your spectacular victory! As the VP, your contribution to strengthening Indo-US relations was critical and invaluable. I look forward to working closely together once again to take India-US relations to greater heights,\u201d Modi wrote.<\/p>\n

In a separate tweet, Modi greeted Harris, who is Black and Indian-American.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour success is pathbreaking, and a matter of immense pride\u2026 for all Indian-Americans. I am confident that the vibrant India-US ties will get even stronger with your support and leadership,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Jacinda Ardern, who was sworn-in Friday for a second time as Prime Minister of New Zealand, lauded the \u201cmessage of unity\u201d of the Biden campaign.<\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations President-elect @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris on your victory in the US Presidential election. With so many issues facing the international community, your message of unity is one we share. New Zealand looks forward to working with you both!\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Wishing success to Biden and his deputy, Harris, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: \u201cThe Australia-US Alliance is deep and enduring, and built on shared values. I look forward to working with you closely as we face the world\u2019s many challenges together.\u201d<\/p>\n

The American states of Georgia, North Carolina and Alaska remain outstanding several days after Tuesday\u2019s election, but it is now mathematically impossible for Trump to win re-election without a major change in vote counts.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmerica, I\u2019m honored that you have chosen me to lead our great country,\u201d Biden said on Twitter ahead of a public address expected later Saturday.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe work ahead of us will be hard, but I promise you this: I will be a President for all Americans \u2014 whether you voted for me or not. I will keep the faith that you have placed in me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Biden, 77, was elected the 46th president of the United States, making him the oldest incoming president in US history.\u00a0(Anadolu)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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