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World leaders pay tribute to Biden as he ends reelection bid

Joe Biden notified the public of his decision to leave the election race in a letter
Joe Biden notified the public of his decision to leave the election race in a letter

World leaders have lined up to pay tribute to Joe Biden after he announced he was dropping out of the US presidential race.

Mr Biden notified the public of his decision in a letter, a stunning move that upends the 2024 race for the White House.

He endorsed US Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's new nominee.

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Mr Biden for taking "bold steps" in supporting his country, praising the US president's "tough but strong decision" to end his reelection bid.

"He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing (Russian President Vladimir) Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war," he said.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said Joe Biden "has been a voice for reason, effective multilateralism and shared solutions".

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he Joe Biden had been an "abiding friend of Ireland" and that he had heard the news of his decision not to seek re-election with "sadness and admiration".

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised Mr Biden for taking "many difficult decisions thanks to which Poland, America and the world are safer, and democracy stronger.".

"I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life," added Mr Tusk, who served as the European Council president between 2014 and 2019.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he respected Mr Biden's decision.

"I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people," said Mr Starmer.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he respected Joe Biden's decision

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also paid tribute to "my friend".

"Joe Biden has achieved a lot: for his country, for Europe, for the world," he said. "His decision not to run again deserves respect."

Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant thanked Mr Biden for his "unwavering support of Israel over the years".

He added: "Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship."

Japan's premier said he recognised that Mr Biden's announcement is one "he feels is the best political decision he can make".

"The Japan-US alliance is the cornerstone of our country's diplomacy and security, so we will monitor the situation closely," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked Mr Biden "for your leadership and ongoing service.

"The Australia-US alliance has never been stronger with our shared commitment to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity and climate action for this and future generations," he said.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro told Mr Biden "to be at ease with your conscience because you took the sensible and correct decision."

"He prioritised his family, his health and he realised at that age, with failing health, he couldn't take the reins of his country, much less a presidential candidacy," said Maduro, who is preparing for presidential polls this month.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also thanked Mr Biden for his years of service.

"He's a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country," he said.

"As president, he is a partner to Canadians - and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you."

Russia 'paying attention' - Kremlin

Former US president Barack Obama, with whom Mr Biden served two terms as vice president, praised his record in office.

"Internationally, he restored America's standing in the world, revitalised NATO, and mobilised the world to stand up against Russian aggression in Ukraine," he said.

While he had every right to run for reelection, Mr Biden's decision to drop out of the race was testament to his "love of country", Mr Obama added.

The Kremlin said it was monitoring developments.

"The election is still four months away. And it's a long time, during which a lot can change. We need to pay attention, follow what will happen and go about our business," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the Life.ru news outlet.

Even as world leaders paid tribute to his performance on the world stage, leading Republicans were insisting he was unfit to remain president.

"If Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as president," said a statement from House Speaker Mike Johnson, the top Republican in Congress.

"He must resign the office immediately. 5 November cannot arrive soon enough," he added.

Former president Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, wrote on his Truth Social network: "Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for president, and is certainly not fit to serve."