Biden’s ‘historic’ win: World Reaction

Congratulations poured in for US president-elect Joe Biden from around the world, with Washington's allies, particularly in Europe, seeing his win as a chance at a fresh start after the antagonistic years under Donald Trump. Here are some of the first reactions from across the globe:  

Germany: "Congratulations!" said German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "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," she said in a tweet issued by a government spokesman.

France: President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: "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!"

Britain: Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulated Biden "on his election as President of the United States and Kamala Harris on her historic achievement. "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."

European Union: In a joint statement, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, president of the European Council, which represents the leaders of EU member states, said: "We take note of the latest development in the electoral process.  "On this basis the EU congratulates President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on reaching enough Electoral Votes."

Nato: Chief Jens Stoltenberg described Biden as a "strong supporter of our Alliance". Stoltenberg, who often had to adapt to President Donald Trump making unexpected announcements about US troop drawdowns from Nato deployments, said in a tweet he looked forward to working with Biden.

Canada: Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: "I look forward to working with President-elect Biden, Vice President-elect (Kamala) Harris, their administration, and the United States Congress as we tackle the world's greatest challenges together."

Barack Obama: Former US president Barack Obama hailed Biden's win as "historic and decisive" and appealed to Americans to overcome bitter divides and "find some common ground." "I know he'll do the job with the best interests of every American at heart, whether or not he had their vote," he added.

India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Biden and called his running mate Kamala Harris, whose mother was Indian, a source of "immense pride." "Congratulations @JoeBiden on your spectacular victory!" Modi tweeted. In a separate tweet to Harris, the prime minister wrote: "Your success is pathbreaking, and a matter of immense pride not just for your chittis, but also for all Indian-Americans." "Chitti" is a Tamil term of endearment for the younger sisters of one's mother, which Harris used in her acceptance of the Democratic nomination for vice president.