Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli President Isaac Herzog also paid tribute to the US president.
Here are some reactions from US allies, partners and adversaries to Biden’s withdrawal.
Israel
Israeli President Isaac Herzog thanked Biden for the “friendship and unwavering support he has shown to the Israeli people throughout his decades-long career.”
“As the first U.S. president to visit Israel during wartime, as a recipient of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, and as a true ally of the Jewish people, he is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples,” Herzog said in a post on X.
Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country respected Biden’s “tough but strong decision” and appreciated his “unwavering support” as it fights to repel Russian aggression.
“We will always be grateful to President Biden for his leadership. He supported our country at one of the most dramatic moments in our history, helped stop Putin from taking over our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war,” Zelensky said in a post on X.
“The current situation in Ukraine and across Europe is similarly difficult, and we sincerely hope that America’s continued strong leadership will prevent Russian evil from succeeding or aggression from being rewarded.”
Ukraine is grateful for President Biden’s unwavering support of Ukraine’s fight for freedom, which, combined with strong bipartisan support from the United States, has been and will continue to be crucial.
Many strong decisions have been made in recent years, but they are…
— Volodymyr Zelensky / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 21, 2024
Russia
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was more focused on winning the Ukraine war than on the outcome of the US elections.
“For us, achieving the goals of special military operations is [against Ukraine] “The United States takes priority over the results of the US elections,” Peskov told state media.
England
British Prime Minister Starmer said he respected Biden’s decision and looked forward to working with him for the remainder of his term.
“I know that, as he has done throughout his incredible career, he will make decisions based on his convictions about what is best for the American people,” Starmer told The X programme.
Canada
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised Biden as a “great man” whose every action is “guided by love of country.”
“As president, he has been a partner and a true friend to the Canadian people. I thank President Biden and the first lady,” Trudeau said at the X.
I have known President Biden for many years. He is a great man and every action he takes is guided by love for his country. As President, he has been a partner and a true friend to the Canadian people.
To President Biden and the First Lady: Thank you. pic.twitter.com/5mQvFn8INn
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 21, 2024
Australia
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked Biden for his leadership and “continued service.”
“The Australia-US alliance has never been stronger, driven by our shared democratic values, international security, economic prosperity and climate action, for present and future generations,” Mr Albanese said at the X.
Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his “friend” Biden had achieved a lot “for his country, for Europe and for the world.”
“Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is closer, NATO is stronger and the United States is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again is commendable,” Scholz said on X.
my friend president Joe Biden has the right idea: for the land, for Europe, and for the world. Dunk im im die for a partner in the US, in the transatlantic, in the solemnity of NATO. Sein Entschluss, nicht noch einmal zu kandidieren, vivid Anerkennung.
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) July 21, 2024
Spain
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Biden had made a “brave and dignified decision.”
“Thanks to our resolve and leadership, the United States has weathered the post-pandemic economic crisis and the serious attack on the Capitol, and has provided exemplary support to Ukraine in the face of President Putin’s Russian aggression,” Sanchez said on X.
“It’s a great gesture from a great president who has always fought for democracy and freedom.”
Poland
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised Biden for taking “many difficult decisions that have made Poland, America and the world safer and our democracy stronger.”
“I know you were motivated by the same motivations when you announced your final decision, which was probably the most difficult decision of your life,” Tusk said on X.
Czech Republic
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Biden’s decision was that of “a statesman who has served his country for decades.”
“This is a responsible and personally difficult step, but one that is worth taking. I pray for America that a good president will emerge from a democratic competition between two strong and equal candidates,” Fiala said.
Ireland
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris praised Biden as “a voice of reason, effective multilateralism and shared solutions.”
“In every office he has held, Joe Biden has been an unwavering voice and passionate campaigner for peace on the island of Ireland, and our nation owes him a great debt for this,” Harris said in a statement.
My Statement on the President of the United States @JoeBiden. pic.twitter.com/5WltCqip06
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) July 21, 2024
