Foreign leaders react to Obama re-election
Updated at 8:35 a.m. Eastern.
LONDON Foreign leaders and dignitaries around the globe woke up Wednesday morning to the news that President Obama would continue to lead the world's most powerful nation for another four years. Here's what they've had to say about it.
Prime Minister David Cameron, Great Britain: "Congratulations to Barack. I enjoy working with him. I think he is a very successful American president and I look forward to working with him in the future."
President Francois Hollande, France: "A clear choice for an open, supportive America, fully involved on the international stage and conscious of the great challenges facing our planet: peace, the economy, and the environment."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel: "The strategic alliance between Israel and the U.S. is stronger than ever. I will continue to work with President Obama in order to assure the interests that are vital to the security of the citizens of Israel."
President Shimon Peres, Israel (Referring to Mr. Obama's vow to prevent Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon): "What he said about Iran, he will do; I am convinced completely."
Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Russia: "I am glad that the person who considers Russia as the No. 1 enemy won't be the president of the large, influential state - it is paranoia ... Whether we like America or not, each Russian family depends on how the dollar behaves."
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Russia: "We will continue to work with this administration... We are ready, on the basis of mutual equality, mutual profit and mutual respect... to go as far as the U.S. administration is willing to go."
George Sabra, Spokesman for the opposition Syrian National Council: "We hope this victory for President Obama will make him free more to make the right decision to help freedom and dignity in Syria and all over the world.''
Foreign Affairs Ministry, Pakistan: "The (Pakistani) President expressed the hope that the relationship between Pakistan and the U.S. would continue to prosper during President Obama's new term in office. He stated that he was confident that the leadership of the two countries would be able to further deepen and broaden bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interests. The President said that he looked forward to working closely with President Obama towards the shared objective of peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region."
Yasser Ali, Spokesman for President Mohammed Morsi, Egypt: "We congratulate the American people ... we hope the new U.S. administration would serve the interests of the American and Egyptian peoples."
Mohammad Shtayyeh, Aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas: "President Obama has spent four years in office, unfortunately he hasn't done much for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. On the other hand, we have seen Romney making statements that are really not helpful at all in the peace process, very biased toward the issue of Israel. In the debate on foreign policy, Israel was mentioned 32 times; there was no mention whatsoever of the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, so it seems to us really we have to choose between the bad and the worst."
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia: "We are pleased to send Your Excellency, on behalf of the people and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, our sincere congratulations and best wishes of good health and happiness, and to the people of the United States of America, we send our wished for even more progress and prosperity."
Sello Hatang, Spokesperson for the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory: "We congratulate you upon your re-election as President of the United States of America. The U.S. is a vital partner in Africa's efforts to overcome poverty and inequality. We are confident that under your continued, insightful leadership this partnership will grow stronger, both in working with governments on the continent but also with the burgeoning civil society movements that seek to empower communities. After your victory in the 2008 Presidential election Mr. Mandela said to you: 'You will always be in our affection as a young man who dared to dream and to pursue that dream. We wish you well.' It is our hope that your second term in office will see the realization of that dream. "
More reaction from around the world will be added throughout the day.