Joe the world’s darling
LEADERS: NEW PRESIDENT HAILED AFTER ‘TYRANT’ AS ‘AMERICA IS BACK’
World leaders said they were looking forward to working with Joe Biden, the Democrat sworn in as US president on Wednesday after four turbulent years under Donald Trump.
European Union
Charles Michel, president of the European Council, tweeted congratulations to Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris, adding: “It’s time to bring back conviction & common sense and rejuvenate our EU-US relationship.”
Iran
President Hassan Rouhani hailed the departure of “tyrant” Trump, Tehran having repeatedly called on Washington to lift sanctions imposed over its nuclear drive.
“We expect [the Biden administration] to return to law and to commitments, and try in the next four years, if they can, to remove the stains of the past four years,” said Rouhani.
Biden’s administration wants the United States back in the landmark Iran nuclear accord, from which Trump withdrew.
Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Biden to strengthen the long-standing alliance between the two countries.
“I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the US-Israel alliance, to continue expanding peace between Israel and the Arab world and to confront common challenges, chief among them the threat posed by Iran,” Netanyahu said in a video.
Nato
“Nato Allies need to stand together to address the security consequences of the rise of China, the threat of terrorism, including in Afghanistan and Iraq, and a more assertive Russia,” said Nato general-secretary Jens Stoltenberg.
The Vatican
Pope Francis urged Biden to promote “reconciliation and peace” around the world.
“At a time when the grave crises facing our human family call for far-sighted and united responses, I pray that your decisions will be guided by a concern for building a society marked by authentic justice and freedom,” the pope said. Russia
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would seek
“good relations with the United States”, while a foreign ministry statement said they expected a “more constructive” approach to upcoming arms control talks.
The US and Russia are to discuss extending the landmark 2010 New Start nuclear weapons accord.
Germany
Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was looking forward to a “new chapter of German-American friendship and cooperation”.
“Warmest congratulations on your inauguration, @POTUS Joe Biden and @VP Kamala Harris – a true celebration of American democracy,” Merkel was quoted as saying in a tweet.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: “Best wishes on this most significant day for the American people! We are together. We will be stronger to face the challenges of our time. Stronger to build our future. Stronger to protect our planet. Welcome back to the Paris Agreement!,” Macron wrote in English.
He was referring to the 2015 international accord committing all nations to cut carbon emissions to limit global warming, but which the US under Trump formally quit in November last year. Britain
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has faced criticism over his close relationship with Trump, said he was looking forward to “working closely” with Biden.
“In our fight against Covid and across climate change, defence, security and in promoting and defending democracy, our goals are the same and our nations will work hand in hand to achieve them,” he said.
Queen Elizabeth II sent a private message to Biden before he was sworn in, Buckingham Palace said.
Canada
“Our two countries are more than neighbours – we are close friends, partners, and allies,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, pledging Canada’s cooperation in fighting the coronavirus, for climate action and for a sustainable economic recovery.
South Korea
South Korean President Moon Jae-in hailed Biden’s inauguration, saying: “America is back. America’s new beginning will make democracy even greater. Together with the Korean people, I stand by your journey toward ‘America United’.” –