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World leaders pay tribute to Joe Biden as he drops out of 2024 US presidential race

  • UK’s Starmer says he respects Biden’s decision to drop out as Canada’s Trudeau calls Biden ‘a partner to Canadians – and a true friend’

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US President Joe Biden shakes hands with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (left) in Washington on July 11. Photo: PA Wire / dpa
World leaders lined up to pay tribute to Joe Biden after he announced on Sunday he was dropping out of the US presidential race.
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Biden notified the public of his decision in a letter, a stunning move that upends the 2024 race for the White House. He endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s new nominee.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he respects Biden’s decision to drop out of the White House race and that Biden has made his decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “I’ve known President Biden for years. He’s a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country. As President, he is a partner to Canadians – and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you.”
“Joe Biden has achieved a great deal: for his country, for Europe, for the world,” said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
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“Thanks to him, transatlantic cooperation is close, Nato is strong and the USA is a good and reliable partner for us. His decision not to run again deserves recognition.”

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere told national broadcaster NRK: “I respect Joe Biden’s decision not to run for re-election. That justification deserves respect. Biden has been one of America’s most prominent politicians over several decades, and a president who has carried out several important reforms.”

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