PARIS — World leaders lined up to pay tribute to Joe Biden after he announced on Sunday that he was withdrawing from the race for the US presidency.

Biden informed the public of his decision in a letter, a stunning move that upends the 2024 White House race. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic Party nominee.

European allies

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Biden for the “courageous steps” he took to support his country and praised the US president’s “difficult but strong decision” to end his re-election bid.

“He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in its history, helped us prevent (Russian President Vladimir) Putin from occupying our country and continued to support us during this terrible war,” he said.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised Biden for “taking many difficult decisions that have made Poland, America and the world safer and democracy stronger.”

“I know you were driven by the same motives when you announced your final decision. Probably the most difficult decision of your life,” added Tusk, who was president of the European Council between 2014 and 2019.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he respected Biden’s decision.

“I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he has based his decision on what he thinks is best for the American people,” Starmer said.

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 for re-election deserves respect.”

‘A great man’

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant thanked Biden for his “unwavering support for Israel over the years.”

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

The Japanese prime minister said he recognized that Biden’s announcement was “the best political decision he can make.”

“The Japan-US alliance is the cornerstone of our country’s diplomacy and security, so we are closely monitoring the situation,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked Biden “for his leadership and continued commitment.

“The Australia-US alliance is stronger than ever, thanks to our shared commitment to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity and climate action for this and future generations.”

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told Biden: “Rest assured, because you have made a wise and correct decision.”

“He prioritized his family and his health. At that age, he realized that, with his poor health, he could not take the reins and certainly not run for president,” said Maduro, who is preparing for presidential elections this month.

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

“He is a great man and everything he does is guided by his love for his country,” he said.

“As president, he has been a partner to Canadians — and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady, thank you.”

Former President Barack Obama, with whom Biden served two terms as vice president, praised his achievements during his time in office.

“Internationally, he has restored America’s standing in the world, revitalized NATO and mobilized the world to stand up to Russian aggression in Ukraine,” he said.

Although he had every right to seek re-election, Obama said Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race was a testament to his “patriotic nature.”

‘Not suitable’

The Kremlin says it is closely monitoring developments.

“The elections are still four months away. And it is a long time, during which much can change. We need to pay attention, follow what will happen and continue with our business,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the news outlet Life.ru.

While world leaders praised his achievements on the world stage, leading Republicans continued to insist 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 immediately. November 5 cannot come soon enough,” he added.

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, wrote on his network Truth Social: “The corrupt Joe Biden was not fit to run for president, and is certainly not fit to serve.”