Leaders around the world have congratulated Senator Barack Obama on his victory in the US election.
European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso:"We need to change the current crisis into a new opportunity. We need a new deal for a new world. I sincerely hope that with the leadership of President Obama, the United States of America will join forces with Europe to drive this new deal. For the benefit of our societies, for the benefit of the world."
French president Nicolas Sarkozy:"With the world in turmoil and doubt, the American people, faithful to the values that have always defined America's identity, have expressed with force their faith in progress and the future.
"At a time when we must face huge challenges together, your election has raised enormous hope in France, in Europe and beyond. France and Europe ... will find a new energy to work with America to persevere peace and world prosperity."
British prime minister Gordon Brown:"Barack Obama ran an inspirational campaign, energising politics with his progressive values and his vision for the future. I know Barack Obama and we share many values. We both have determination to show that government can act to help people fairly
through these difficult times facing the global economy."
Japanese prime minister Taro Aso:"The Japan-U.S. alliance is key to Japanese diplomacy and it is the foundation for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. With President-elect Obama, I will strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance further and work towards resolving global issues such as the world economy, terror and the environment."
Afghan resident Hamid Karzai:"I applaud the American people for their great decision and I hope that this new administration in the United States of America, and the fact of the massive show of concern for human beings and lack of interest in race and colour while electing the president, will go a long way in bringing the same values to the rest of world sooner or later."
Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki:"We the Kenyan people are immensely proud of your Kenyan roots. Your victory is not only an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, but it has special resonance with us here in Kenya."
Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper:"I look forward to meeting with the President-elect so that we can continue to strengthen the special bond that exists between Canada and the United States.
"Ministers in our government look forward to building a strong working relationship with their counterparts in a new Obama cabinet."
South African president Kgalema Motlanthe:"Africa, which today stands proud of your achievements, can only but look forward to a fruitful working relationship with you both at a bilateral and multilateral levels in our endeavour to create a better world for all who live in it.
"We express the hope that poverty and under-development in Africa, which remains a challenge for humanity, will indeed continue to receive a greater attention of the focus of the new administration."
New Zealand prime pinister Helen Clark:"Senator Obama will be taking office at a critical juncture. There are many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming. We look forward to working closely with President-elect Obama and his team to address these challenges."
Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono:"Indonesia especially hopes that the US, under new leadership, will stand in the front and take real action to overcome the global financial crisis, especially since the crisis was triggered by the financial conditions in the US"
Aide To Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, Saeb Erekat:"We hope the president-elect in the United States will stay the course and would continue the U.S. engagement in the peace process without delay. We hope the two-state vision would be transferred from a vision to a realistic track immediately."
South Korean presidential Blue House:"We believe the election of Obama is due to the American people's support for his message of new change and hope.
"President Lee Myung-bak has made change and reform an important policy priority since his own election and the two leaders share their philosophy in this regard."
Pakistani embassy In Washington:"President (Asif Ali) Zardari expressed the hope that Pakistan-US relations will be enhanced under the new American leadership that received a popular mandate in Tuesday's poll."
ALI AGHAMOHAMMADI, CLOSE AIDE TO IRAN'S MOST POWEFUL FIGURE AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI:
"The president-elect has promised changes in policies. There is a capacity for the improvement of ties between America and Iran if Obama pursues his campaign promises, including not confronting other countries as Bush did in Iraq and Afghanistan, and also concentrating on America's state matters and removing the American people's concerns."
Reuters