World reacts to president-elect Joe Biden's win

LONDON: After Democrat nominee Joe Biden captured the US presidency on Saturday, global leaders and prominent personalities congratulated the president-elect and wished him well for the tough job ahead.

Following are reactions from world leaders:

Prime Minister Imran Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a tweet, congratulated Biden and vice president-elect, Harris.

PM Imran Khan said he looked forward to working with the American president for an end to illegal tax havens and for peace in Afghanistan.

"Congratulations @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris. Look forward to President Elect Biden's Global Summit on Democracy and working with him to end illegal tax havens and stealth (sic) of nation's wealth by corrupt leaders. We will also continue to work with US for peace in Afghanistan and in the region," he tweeted. 

President Arif Alvi

"Congratulations President Elect Joe Biden and VP Elect Kamala Harris. Looking forward to an improving US role towards world peace specially in Afghanistan, as well as the entire region. Pakistan looks forward to our continued long term friendship and a dignified relationship," President Alvi said 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel

"Congratulations!" said 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.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, a popular leader who had verbally jousted with Trump, congratulated Biden and Harris in a tweet focused on cooperation.

"With so many issues facing the international community, your message of unity is one we share. New Zealand looks forward to working with you both!"

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their election as the next President and Vice President of the United States of America. Canada and the United States enjoy an extraordinary relationship — one that is unique on the world stage."

"I look forward to working with President-elect Biden, Vice President-elect Harris, their administration, and the United States Congress as we tackle the world’s greatest challenges together.”

French President Emmanuel Macron

"The Americans have chosen their President. Congratulations Joe Biden and Kamala Harris! We have a lot to do to overcome today’s challenges. Let's work together," Macron said.

Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wished Biden and Harris "every success".

"The Australia-US Alliance is deep and enduring, and built on shared values. I look forward to working with you closely as we face the world´s many challenges together," he said on Twitter.

South Africa President South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Twitter his government looked forward to "working with you and deepening our bonds of friendship and cooperation".

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin

"I offer warmest congratulations to Joe Biden on his election as the 46th President of the United States. Ireland takes pride in Joe Biden's election, just as we are proud of all the generations of Irish women and Irish men and their ancestors whose toil and genius have enriched the diversity that powers America."

"Joe Biden has always been a stalwart friend and supporter of Ireland, including of the prosperity, stability and opportunity made possible by the Good Friday Agreement, to which he has pledged his ongoing steadfast support."

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas

"We look forward to working with the next US administration. We want to invest in our cooperation, for a transatlantic restart and a New Deal."

Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzales 

"Record citizen participation, strong institutions and a President-elect @JoeBiden with a first woman to ever hold the position of Vice-President @KamalaHarris. Looking foward to working together".

Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted: "Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. We wish you good luck and all the best. We are looking forward to cooperating with you to tackle the challenges ahead of us."

Iraq President Barham Saleh

President Barham Saleh extended "warmest congratulations" to Biden, describing him as "a friend and trusted partner in the cause of building a better Iraq. We look forward to working to achieve our common goals and strengthening peace and stability in the entire Middle East".

Iran President Hassan Rouhani

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a tweet that Biden's victory was a chance for the US to "compensate for its previous mistakes and return to the path of adherence to international commitments".

Jordan King Abdullah II

The King of Jordan, Abdullah II, tweeted his congratulations to the pair: "I look forward to working with you on further advancing the solid historic partnership between Jordan and the United States, in the interest of our shared objectives of peace, stability and prosperity."

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas called on Biden to "strengthen" relations between the Palestinians and Washington, which collapsed under Trump.

Indonesia President Joko Widodo

Indonesian President Joko Widodo expressed his "warmest congratulations" to Biden and Harris. He said: "The huge turn out is a reflection of the hope placed on democracy."

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong offered congratulations, reminding Biden of their previous work together while he was vice president and stating he hoped the relationship between the two nations would deepen.

"You can continue to count on Singapore as a friend and partner," Lee said.

Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari, leader of Africa's most populous nation, called for "greater engagement" with the continent.

He said he looked forward to "enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, especially at economic, diplomatic and political levels, including especially on the war against terrorism".

Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga 

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga focused his congratulatory message on security issues.

"Warm congratulations to @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the Japan-US Alliance and ensure peace, freedom, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond," Suga wrote on Twitter.

South Korea

South Korean President Moon Jae-in tweeted: "Congratulations to @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. Our alliance is strong and the bond between our two countries is rock-solid. I very much look forward to working with you for our shared values."

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Biden's win as "spectacular" while highlighting Harris's Indian heritage.

"Your success is pathbreaking, and a matter of immense pride not just for your chittis, but also for all Indian-Americans," Modi said in a tweet to Harris.

"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.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said ties between Kabul and Washington would deepen over counterterrorism as he congratulated Biden.

"Afghanistan looks forward to continuing/deepening our multilayered strategic partnership w/ the United States — our foundational partner — including in counterterrorism & bringing peace to Afghanistan," Ghani wrote on Twitter.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis

"Congratulations to US President-Elect @JoeBiden. Joe Biden has been a true friend of Greece and I'm certain that under his presidency the relationship between our countries will grow even stronger." 

Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousufzai