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President Hu congratulates Obama on victory
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-11-06 07:09

Chinese President Hu Jintao, shortly after Barack Obama was declared president-elect, sent a message Wednesday to congratulate Obama on his election victory.

"China and the United States share broad common interests and important responsibilities on a wide range of major issues concerning the well-being of humanity.

"Developing long-term, healthy and stable Sino-US relations serves the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, and is of great significance to peace, stability and development in the world," Hu said in a message.

Hu said the Chinese government and he himself have always valued China-US relations.

"In the new historic era, I look forward to working with you to continuously strengthen dialogue and exchanges between our two countries and enhance mutual trust and cooperation on the basis of the three Sino-US Joint Communiques, with a view to taking our relationship to a new high and bringing greater benefits to people of our two countries and the rest of the world."

Premier Wen Jiabao, in his congratulatory message to Obama, said "a sound China-US relationship meets the common aspirations of our two peoples and the need to maintain peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large".

Wen expressed belief that with joint efforts, the China-US relationship would make new progress.

Vice-President Xi Jinping congratulated Joe Biden on his election as US vice-president.

Following are quotes from other world leaders on Obama's victory:

Dmitry Medvedev, Russian president

"Russia hopes Barack Obama's administration will take steps to improve badly-damaged bilateral ties and make a choice in favor of full-fledged relations with Russia."

Nicolas Sarkozy, French president

"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."

Gordon Brown, British prime minister:

"Barack Obama ran an inspirational campaign, energizing 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."

Jose Manuel Barroso, European Commission president

"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."

Manmohan Singh, Indian prime minister

"Your extraordinary journey to the White House will inspire people not only in your country but also around the world."

Taro Aso, Japanese prime minister

"The Japan-US 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-US alliance further and work toward resolving global issues such as the world economy, terror and the environment."

Kgalema Motlanthe, South African president

"Africa, which today stands proud of your achievements, can only but look forward to a fruitful working relationship with you both at bilateral and multilateral levels in our endeavor to create a better world for all who live in it."

Kevin Rudd, Australian prime minister

"Senator Obama's message of hope is not just for America's future, it is also a message of hope for the world as well."

Mwai Kibaki, Kenyan president

"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."