Global reaction to EU referendum result
World political leaders respond to Brexit win in UK vote
The outcome of yesterday's historic referendum in Britain on the country's EU membership will not only effect those within the British Isles or indeed Europe, but also reverberate around the world.
51% of Britons voted to ditch the EU on Thursday after months of divisive political campaigning in which David Cameron, and now possibly Jeremy Corbyn, were the biggest casualties.
Various world political leaders and governments have been giving their reactions to the result, with many expressing disappointment at the outcome.
US
Vice President Jo Biden
“I must say we had looked for a different outcome. We would have preferred a different outcome ... but the United States has a long-standing friendship with the United Kingdom and that very special bond will endure. We fully respect the decision they have made.”
Germany
Chancellor Angela Merkel
“The idea of European unification was the idea of peace after centuries of horrendous bloodshed. The founding fathers found a way to come together and it was manifested in the Treaty of Rome almost 60 years ago. For the future, we should not take this for granted. We can all see that we are living in a world of turmoil.”
Denmark
Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen
"We must respect the choice that the majority of the British people have made. At the same time, I won't hide the fact that I think it is a very sad result for Europe and for Denmark"
Russia
Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev
“We are, of course, not happy about it. These are additional risks for the world economy, hence for our economy, which is a part of the world economy. It is very important now to analyze the consequences, take our own internal decisions in the interests of the Russian economy, which will, of course, be done by the government.”
