Off the wire
• Former UN chief calls for credible, peaceful poll in Africa  • Brexit "serious" for both Britain, EU: Swedish PM  • Britain, EU "divorce process" to take years  • Ethiopia, Kenya to enhance cooperation on energy sector  • Ireland announces contingency plans following Brexit vote  • Brexit has little impact on Russia: Russian officials  • Commentary: Brexit to drag EU, possibly global economy into unchartered waters  • 2nd LD Writethru: Xi puts forward five-point proposal to consolidate, deepen SCO cooperation  • UK remains important trading partner for S. Africa: Presidency  • Roundup: Cypriot president advises against panic reaction to Brexit  
You are here: 　 Home

Special relationship between U.S., Britain "enduring": Obama

Xinhua, June 24, 2016 Adjust font size:

The special relationship between the United States and Britain is "enduring", U.S. President Barack Obama said Friday after Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum.

"So too is our relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond," he said in a statement.

The British "Leave" camp has won the historic referendum held on Thursday by obtaining nearly 52 percent of ballots, pulling the country out of the bloc after 43 years of membership.

"The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision," Obama said.

Britain's membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of U.S. foreign, security, and economic policy, he said.

Britain and the EU will remain "indispensable partners" of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Britain, and the world, Obama added. Endi