How foreign leaders reacted to Biden dropping out of White House race

DUBLIN: Following are some reactions from abroad to U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision on Sunday to pull out of his campaign to seek reelection in November:

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Sunday he respects U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to drop his reelection bid and that he will have based his decision on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people.

“I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency,” he said in a statement.

“I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, President Biden will have made his decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people.”

IRISH TAOISEACH SIMON HARRIS ON X:

“On behalf of the people and government of Ireland. I, as Taoiseach, would like to thank you Mr President for your global leadership and your friendship as you make your announcement that you will not stand in the 2024 US Presidential election.

“The world has changed since President Biden’s victory in 2020 and we have had to face extraordinary challenges from a global pandemic to the return of war to the continent of Europe with the horrific full- scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia which has deliberately targeted and killed innocent civilians. “President Biden has been a voice for reason, effective multilateralism and shared solutions.”

KREMLIN SPOKESMAN DMITRY PESKOV SPEAKING TO SHOT NEWS OUTLET:

“The elections are still four months away, and that is a long period of time in which a lot can change. We need to be patient and carefully monitor what happens. The priority for us is the special military operation,” Peskov said, referring to the war in Ukraine.

NORWEGIAN PRIME MINISTER JONAS GAHR STOERE:

“I respect Joe Biden’s decision not to run for re-election. That justification deserves respect,” Stoere told national broadcaster NRK.

“Biden has been one of America’s most prominent politicians over several decades, and a president who has carried out several important reforms.”

POLISH PRIME MINISTER DONALD TUSK ON X:

“Mr. President @JoeBiden, many times you have made difficult decisions that have made Poland, America, and the world safer, and democracy and freedom stronger. I know that you were guided by the same principles when announcing your latest decision. Perhaps the most difficult one in your life.”

CZECH PRIME MINISTER PETR FIALA ON X:

“It is undoubtedly the decision of a statesman who has served his country for decades. It is a responsible and personally difficult step, but it is all the more valuable. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the USA that a good president emerges from the democratic competition of two strong and equal candidates.”

PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to @POTUS Joe Biden for his friendship and steadfast support for the Israeli people over his decades long career,” Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial, wrote on social media.