3 November 2004 -- World leaders today offered their congratulations to U.S. President George W. Bush on his reelection. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said he will "warmly congratulate" Bush and pledged to continue "good cooperation" with the United States.
Earlier today, before Bush's rival, Senator John Kerry conceded the election, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Bush's victory.
"Bush has proved to be a firm politician, a man of strong character," Putin said. "He is a consistent, reliable and predictable partner."
French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said France will work with the U.S. administration to "rebuild and renovate trans-Atlantic relations."
Outgoing European Commission President Romano Prodi said Europe will continue to work "to strengthen its bonds of friendship and cooperation" with the United States.
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said his government wants to cooperate "effectively and constructively" with the Bush administration.
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan congratulated Bush and pledged to work closely with him on international problems.
Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who is undergoing medicaltreatment in Paris, also extended his congratulations to Bush andexpressed hope he would bring peace to the Middle East.
(news agencies)
[For reaction from around the world to the U.S. presidential election, see RFE/RL's webpage "World Reacts To U.S. Election".]
"Bush has proved to be a firm politician, a man of strong character," Putin said. "He is a consistent, reliable and predictable partner."
French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said France will work with the U.S. administration to "rebuild and renovate trans-Atlantic relations."
Outgoing European Commission President Romano Prodi said Europe will continue to work "to strengthen its bonds of friendship and cooperation" with the United States.
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said his government wants to cooperate "effectively and constructively" with the Bush administration.
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan congratulated Bush and pledged to work closely with him on international problems.
Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who is undergoing medicaltreatment in Paris, also extended his congratulations to Bush andexpressed hope he would bring peace to the Middle East.
(news agencies)
[For reaction from around the world to the U.S. presidential election, see RFE/RL's webpage "World Reacts To U.S. Election".]