Global leaders react to 'true friend' Biden dropping out of U.S. presidential race

• Biden on Sunday ended his campaign to seek reelection in November and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's nominee.
• The U.S. election comes at a critical juncture of a growing rivalry with China, as well as ongoing geopolitical conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

U.S. President Joe Biden on Sunday dropped his reelection bid and and backed Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee of the Democratic Party, eliciting reactions from leaders worldwide.

Biden was under pressure from his party members to exit the race against former President Donald Trump, following a poorly received debate performance.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Biden "a true friend" and a "partner to Canadians."

"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," Trudeau wrote in an Instagram post.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he believed Biden made the decision based on what was best for the Americans, adding that he looked forward to working together for the remainder of his presidency.

Biden's "difficult" decision was acknowledged by Polish President Donald Tusk and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala as driven by the larger interest of the U.S.

"Dear President @JoeBiden. You've taken many difficult decisions thanks to which Poland, America and the world are safer, and democracy stronger. I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life," Tusk wrote on social media platform X.

Similarly, Fiala highlighted that Biden's move was "a responsible and