World leaders have felicitated with Mr Joe Biden after US networks declared him the winner of the bitter White House race over outgoing President Donald Trump.
As crowds poured onto the streets of Washington and other cities in exuberant celebration and former US president Barack Obama hailed Biden’s win as “decisive” and “historic”, here are some of the first reactions from political figures across the globe:
– Ireland –
Irish prime minister Micheal Martin was one of the first to take to Twitter and hail the Irish-America Democrat Joe Biden as “president-elect”.
“I want to congratulate the new President-Elect of the USA @JoeBiden,” the Irish leader tweeted.
“Joe Biden has been a true friend of this nation throughout his life and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead. I also look forward to welcoming him back home when the circumstances allow!” Martin added.
– Canada –
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was also quick off the mark.
“I look forward to working with President-elect Biden, Vice President-elect (Kamala) Harris, their administration, and the United States Congress as we tackle the world’s greatest challenges together,” Trudeau said in a statement.
– Britain –
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulated Biden “on his election as President of the United States and Kamala Harris on her historic achievement.
“The 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.”
– France –
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted, “The Americans have chosen their President. Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris! We have a lot to do to overcome today’s challenges. Let’s work together!”
– Germany –
German Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated Biden, saying Germany’s trans-atlantic ties with the US were “irreplaceable”.
– European Union –
In a joint statement, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, president of the European Council, which represents the leaders of EU member states, said: “We 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.”
– Greece –
Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis tweeted: “Congratulations to US President-Elect @JoeBiden. Joe Biden has been a true friend of Greece and I’m certain that under his presidency the relationship between our countries will grow even stronger.”
– Belgium –
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo tweeted: “Congratulations @JoeBiden with your election as 46th President of the United States. A record number of people have cast their vote in this election. This illustrates the vibrancy of the American political life and its democracy.”
Meanwhile, hundreds of Joe Biden supporters cheered and sounded car horns as they and members of the president-elect’s family gathered at his election headquarters in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware Saturday ahead of a victory party.
After TV networks declared Biden, 77, the winner of Tuesday’s election shortly before 11:30 am (1530 GMT) scores of Democrats descended on the Chase Center, where the next president of the United States will lead celebrations later.
Inside the adjacent Westin Hotel, Biden’s family and campaign team expressed their delight at Biden rendering Donald Trump a one-term president.
“I’m overjoyed,” Biden’s younger brother Jim Biden said.
Campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon said she had been on a run when her mother called to tell her that CNN had called the election for Biden.
“Ecstatic — a great day for this county,” she told reporters, after walking through the hotel’s lobby in a white Biden t-shirt.
Shortly before the long-awaited announcement, Biden’s sister Valerie Biden Owens described the result as “wonderful.”
“It’s a wonderful thing for us but it’s a better thing for America,” she told reporters.
Symone Sanders, a senior advisor to Biden, said his team were “elated and excited.”
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