Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Mr Biden for his “unwavering support”, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said “the decision not to run again deserves to be welcomed”.
Tributes poured in across Europe for Joe Biden after he announced on Sunday that he was withdrawing from the presidential race and supporting his vice-president, Kamala Harris.
In written statementJoe Biden said serving as president has been the greatest honor of his life and vowed to serve until his term ends in January.
“I will speak to the Nation in more detail about my decision later this week.“, did he declare.
From Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Mr Biden for his “unwavering support” in the two years following the Russian invasion.
““We will always be grateful to President Biden for his leadership,” he said.adding: “We respect the difficult but strong decision taken today.“.
The United States, under Joe Biden, has been Ukraine’s main financial and military supporter, and both countries fear that support could end if Donald Trump wins November’s presidential election.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised Mr Biden for his “tough decisions” which he said had made “Poland, America and the world safer”.
He also said the decision to withdraw from the presidential race was probably “The hardest” that Joe Biden had to take.
The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmersaid : “I respect President Biden’s decision and look forward to our collaboration during the remainder of his presidency.“.
Keir Starmer added that he knew Mr Biden had “made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people“.
The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Mr. Biden a “friend,” adding: “Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, NATO is strong and the United States is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves to be commended.“.
“All my admiration and gratitude for the courageous and dignified decision of the President.“, began Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
“A great gesture from a great president who has always fought for democracy and freedom.“, he added.
Messages from America
Closer to home, his vice-president, Kamala Harris, thanked Joe Biden for his “extraordinary leadership” and said she was honored to have his support to run for the White House.
The former president Barack Obamaunder whom Mr Biden served as vice president, described him as “one of the most important American presidents” and said he was a “patriot of the highest order”.
Former House Speaker and fellow Democrat Nancy Pelosi expressed his “love and gratitude” to Mr. Biden, adding that “God has blessed America with the greatness and goodness of Joe Biden.”
