World Leaders’ Hopeful Quotes on Obama Election Win

World leaders in Asia, Africa, and elsewhere offered their congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama on his historic win and expressed hopes that working together in the areas of peace, security, prosperity and justice will ensure progress. Here are my favorite quotes that appeared in a Reuters 4-page compilation:

YULIA TYMOSHENKO, UKRAINIAN PRIME MINISTER

“Your victory is an inspiration for us. That which appeared impossible has become possible.”

FRANCO FRATTINI, ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

“Europe which is celebrating (the victory of) Obama must know that Europe be will be called on to be a producer of security and no longer merely a consumer. I think Obama will rightly call on us to take our responsibilities more seriously.”

CELSO AMORIM, BRAZILIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

“In this case hope has won over prejudice — this is good for the United States and the world as a whole.”

REV, FEDERICO LOMBARDI, POPE BENEDICT’S SPOKESMAN

“Believers are praying that God will enlighten him and help him in his great responsibility, which is enormous because of the global importance of the United States…We hope Obama can fulfil the expectations and hopes that many have in him.”

YOUSAF RAZA GILANI, PAKISTANI PRIME MINISTER

“Your election marks a new chapter in the remarkable history of the United States. For long, the ideas of democracy, liberty and freedom espoused by the United States has been a source of inspiration…I hope that under your dynamic leadership, the United States will continue to be a source of global peace and new ideas for humanity.”

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.”

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.”

HAMID KARZAI, AFGHAN PRESIDENT

“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 color while electing the president, will go a long way in bringing the same values to the rest of world sooner or later.”

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.”

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.”

ANGELA MERKEL, GERMAN CHANCELLOR

“I offer you my heartfelt congratulations on your historic victory in the presidential election.

“The world faces significant challenges at the start of your term. I am convinced that Europe and the United States will work closely and in a spirit of mutual trust together to confront new dangers and risks and will seize the opportunities presented by our global world.”

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 a 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. A world which is now in many respects fearful for its future.”