NATO, European leaders congratulate new US president

By Busra Nur Bilgic Cakmak

ANKARA (AA) - NATO and European leaders on Wednesday congratulated new US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, as the two were officially sworn in on Wednesday in a heavily-guarded ceremony at the US Capitol.

In a statement, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg congratulated Biden and Harris stating “a new chapter for the transatlantic Alliance” began today.

“The bond between North America and Europe is the bedrock of our security, and a strong NATO is good for both North America and Europe. For more than seventy years, our transatlantic Alliance has guaranteed freedom, peace, and security for our people,” said NATO chief.

“U.S. leadership remains essential as we work together to protect our democracies, our values and the rules-based international order,” he added.

NATO chief also said he is looking forward to working with Biden, inviting him to Brussels later in 2021 for NATO leaders’ summit.

President of the European Council Charles Michel also congratulated the new US president and vice president, saying: “It’s time to bring back conviction & common sense and rejuvenate our EU-US relationship.”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson took to Twitter to congratulate Biden and Harris.

“America’s leadership is vital on the issues that matter to us all, from climate change to COVID, and I look forward to working with President Biden,” said Johnson.

“This is a great day for democracy, reaching far beyond the American borders. Italy stands ready to face the challenges of our common international agenda together with the United States,” said Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte on Twitter.​​​​​​​