Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she looks forward to developing even closer relations with the incoming Biden administration.
Jacinda Ardern is among the many world leaders to congratulate Joe Biden on winning the US presidential race. Photo: AFP
She has congratulated president-elect Joe Biden and incoming vice-president Kamala Harris on their victory in the US Presidential election.
Ardern said the two countries will continue to work with each other, notably in the Pacific, and Biden has shown shared interest in addressing Covid-19 and climate change.
"New Zealand will continue to work side-by-side with the United States on the issues that matter to both of us, including the prosperity, security, and sustainability in the Indo-Pacific and Pacific Island regions," Ardern said in a statement.
"The campaign by the President-elect has also shown the shared interests we have in addressing global challenges like Covid-19 and climate change.
"There are many challenges in front of the international community right now, the message of unity from Joe Biden positions us well to take those challenges on."
Congratulations President-elect @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris on your victory in the US Presidential election. 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! https://t.co/VTGRM4mHEK
— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) November 7, 2020
Biden visited New Zealand in 2016 as vice-president under Barack Obama, with Ardern saying he was a close friend of New Zealand's.
Joe Biden (left) with Kaumatua Lewis Moeau experiences a traditional Māori welcome at Government House on 21 July 2016 in Auckland. Photo: 2016 Getty Images
Ardern also acknowledged outgoing President Donald Trump, saying the two countries have had positive relations under his administration "especially in the Indo-Pacific and Pacific Island regions".
Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta has also offered her congratulations.
Kua ea, kua ea! Congratulations to @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris on their historic election.
— Nanaia Mahuta (@NanaiaMahuta) November 7, 2020
VP-elect Harris, with parents from
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Other world leaders have also tweeted or issued statements congratulating Joe Biden on the win.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that Canada and the US "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," Trudeau said.
Congratulations, @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. Our two countries are close friends, partners, and allies. We share a relationship that’s unique on the world stage. I’m really looking forward to working together and building on that with you both.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 7, 2020
In a translated statement, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she looked forward to future cooperation with Biden.
"Our transatlantic friendship is irreplaceable if we are to master the great challenges of our time," Merkel said.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also tweeted his congratulations saying he looked forward to working closely with the US on their "shared priorities".
Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris pic.twitter.com/xrpE99W4c4
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 7, 2020
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted his congratulations in both English and French.
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!
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 7, 2020
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin offered his congratulations tweeting that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will make a formidable team.
I want to congratulate the new President Elect of the USA @JoeBiden Joe Biden has been a true friend of this nation throughout his life and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead. I also look forward to welcoming him back home when the circumstances allow!
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) November 7, 2020
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Biden on his "spectacular victory".
Congratulations @JoeBiden on your spectacular victory! As the VP, your contribution to strengthening Indo-US relations was critical and invaluable. I look forward to working closely together once again to take India-US relations to greater heights. pic.twitter.com/yAOCEcs9bN
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2020
Modi followed it up with a tweet which particularly acknowledged vice president elect Kamala Harris, whose mother emigrated from India.
Heartiest congratulations @KamalaHarris! Your success is pathbreaking, and a matter of immense pride not just for your chittis, but also for all Indian-Americans. I am confident that the vibrant India-US ties will get even stronger with your support and leadership.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2020
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said she welcomes the commitment that was evident in the Biden/Harris campaign to leadership and multilateral cooperation on issues ranging from Covid-19 to climate change.
She described it as a historic victory which would be welcomed by "progressives" across the globe.
My full comment on the outcome of #Election2020 #BidenHarris2020 pic.twitter.com/2RVBfqafKi
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 7, 2020
She also described Kamala Harris becoming vice president as "a big and special moment".
The first woman in the White House - and the first woman of colour too. This is a big and special moment. https://t.co/TcMwoVBDAL
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 7, 2020
The First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford also tweeted his congratulations.
Congratulations to @JoeBiden on winning the presidential election in a record turnout. And to @KamalaHarris; the first female, black and Indian-American to hold the country’s 2nd highest office. Look forward to working with you to build on the strong links between Wales and USA.
— Mark Drakeford (@fmwales) November 7, 2020
Many other world leaders have also offered their congratulations to Biden including Polish President Andrezej Duda, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
