US Election: Joe Biden congratulated by world leaders after victory
World leaders have been quick to congratulate Joe Biden on his US election victory, despite sitting president Donald Trump refusing to concede.
Relief was a common theme expressed in many parts of the world to the news that Trump's re-election bid failed.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has congratulated Biden and his Vice-President elect Kamala Harris on their historic win.
“Australia wishes you every success in office,” he tweeted.
“The 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’s many challenges together.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also congratulated the winners.
“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!” she tweeted.
Congratulations poured in for Biden from world capitals, including from nations governed by leaders who got along with Trump, essentially ignoring his claims that the divisive election race wasn't over.
“The Americans have chosen their President. Congratulations Joe Biden and Kamala Harris! We have a lot to do to overcome today’s challenges. Let’s work together!” tweeted French President Emmanuel Macron.
Other leaders who sent congratulations included Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who’d been known for public displays of bonhomie with Trump.
Congratulations to @joebiden and @kamalaharris - Australia wishes you every success in office. The 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’s many challenges together.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) November 7, 2020
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!
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 7, 2020
Congratulations 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! https://t.co/VTGRM4mHEK
— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) November 7, 2020
Congratulations, @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. Our two countries are close friends, partners, and allies. We share a relationship that’s unique on the world stage. I’m really looking forward to working together and building on that with you both.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 7, 2020
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a Trump ally, also congratulated Biden.
Hailing Biden's victory and the “historic achievement” of Kamala Harris' election as the first Black woman vice president, Johnson said he looked forward to “working closely together on our shared priorities, from climate change to trade and security”.
Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris pic.twitter.com/xrpE99W4c4
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 7, 2020
Cascading around the globe on social media and live news broadcasts, word of the victory in Pennsylvania that pushed Barack Obama’s former vice president past the threshold of 270 Electoral College votes needed to take over the Oval Office sparked cheers in a Rome coffee bar and celebrations elsewhere.
A city official in Berlin said, “After the birth of my son, the election of Joe Biden is by far the best news of this year.”
“Everything won’t get better overnight, but Trump is finally gone!” tweeted the official, Sawsan Chebli.
Indian's prime minister posted a photo of himself with Biden and sent congratulations for “your spectacular victory!”
“I look forward to working closely together once again to take India-US relations to greater heights,” Modi said.
He also congratulated Vice President-elect Harris in a separate tweet for her “pathbreaking” success and said her win is a “matter of immense pride” for all Indian-Americans.
Kamala Harris historic election lauded all over the world
Her election struck an immediate chord internationally.
“It makes us proud that the first woman to serve as vice president of the USA traces her roots to India,” said the leader of India’s opposition Congress party, Rahul Gandhi.
Harris’ late mother was from India. Kamala is Sanskrit for “lotus flower,” and Harris gave nods to her Indian heritage throughout the campaign.
“She will be an incredible example and important role model for young girls throughout the world, showing them girls and boys enjoy the same rights and opportunities,” Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo said.
Western allies quickly looked forward to a fresh start with a new administration in Washington.
“We’re looking forward to working with the next U.S. government,” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted. “We want to work in our cooperation for a new trans-Atlantic beginning, a New Deal.”
Congratulations to my friends, @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris — our next President and Vice President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/febgqxUi1y
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 7, 2020
Italy's foreign minister, Luigi Di Maio, closed out his tweeted message of congratulations with Italian and US flags.
“Ready to keep on working to make our relations ever stronger in defence of peace and freedom,” he said.
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