US allies wasted no time in congratulating Joe Biden on his projected victory, as the president-elect vowed to restore America’s global role following President Donald Trump’s chaotic four years in power.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has had especially tense relations with Mr Trump, sent congratulations to Mr Biden and called the transatlantic relationship “irreplaceable”.
“Congratulations!” Mrs Merkel said in a tweet issued by a government spokesman. “I wish luck and success from the bottom of my heart. Our transatlantic friendship is irreplaceable if we want to overcome the great challenges of our times.”
French President Emmanuel Macron told Mr Biden he wanted to “work together”, while Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo wrote pointedly on Twitter, “Welcome back America!”
“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!” Mr Macron tweeted.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, whom the outgoing US President has fondly called the “Britain Trump”, also turned the page, calling for co-operation with Mr Biden on trade and climate change. “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,” Mr Johnson said.
Read the article in The Australian (AP).