World Leaders React to Change of Government in the United States

World leaders issued multiple statements on Wednesday in response to the transfer of power in the United States, including senior officials of the European Union who referred to Joe Biden as a “friend” of the union in the White House.

In various statements, NATO called for cooperation between the United States and Europe to face challenges, Russia emphasized returning to the nuclear arms control treaty, and the President of Germany said that with this transfer of power, she “breathes a sigh of relief.”

During Joe Biden’s inauguration ceremony, Charles Michel, President of the European Council, sent a message saying, “Let us forge a new pact for a stronger Europe, a stronger America, and a better world.”

Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also said: “The ancient ceremony taking place on the steps of the United States Congress demonstrates the power and resilience of American democracy and is strong testimony that after four difficult years, Europe now has a friend in the White House.”

Frank Steinmeier, President of Germany, also said in a video statement: “Today is a good day for democracy. The United States of America has faced great challenges and has persevered against them. Despite efforts to dismantle the structure of the American political system, electoral officials and governors, the judiciary and Congress demonstrated their power and strength.”

The President of Germany added: “I breathed a sigh of relief that Joe Biden is being sworn in as president today and moving to the White House. I know that many people in Germany feel the same way.”

Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), also said in a statement that he hopes relations across the Atlantic will be strengthened.

He added: “We welcome cooperation with Joe Biden, the elected president, so that we can further strengthen relations between the United States and Europe, as we face global challenges that no one of us can solve alone.”

Pope Francis also wrote to Biden in a message that “under your leadership, may the American people continue to benefit from the high political, moral, and religious values that have inspired this nation since its founding.”

The Pope added: “I in turn ask the Almighty, the source of all wisdom and truth, to guide your efforts to strengthen understanding, reconciliation, and peace in the United States and among the nations of the world, for the advancement of the common good.”

Nuclear warheads, defense issues, and threats from Iran

On Wednesday, Russia also reacted to the transfer of power in America, and Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, said that Russia seeks good relations with the United States and whether Washington wants to move in that direction depends on Mr. Biden and his team.

Peskov specifically referred to the nuclear arms control treaty and said that Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, has repeatedly requested the preservation of this treaty, and now it is Washington’s turn to work to preserve it.

On this day, Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of Britain, also expressed hope that he could have close cooperation with Joe Biden.

Mr. Johnson, who has faced considerable criticism due to his close relations with Donald Trump, in his new remarks mentioned a range of areas in which he hopes to cooperate with Joe Biden.

He mentioned fighting COVID-19, climate change, defense and security issues, and defending democracy, and said that his country’s and Biden’s administration’s objectives in these areas are the same.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, after Biden’s inauguration ceremony, congratulated Joe Biden, the President, and Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States, and stated: “Mr. President Biden, we have maintained decades of warm personal friendship between us.”

He said in a message: “I welcome working with you to further strengthen the covenant between the United States and Israel, expand peace and friendship between Israel and the Arab world, and confront common challenges, chief among them the threats from Iran.”

On Inauguration Day, Barack Obama, former President of America, congratulated Joe Biden in a tweet and wrote that “it’s your turn now.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the famous Hollywood star who, in addition to his artistic activities, served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011, tweeted to Joe Biden: “I am backing you. Your success is America’s success.”

Source: Radio Farda