English Section

UPDATE: Polish leaders thank Biden for strengthening security, supporting Ukraine

22.07.2024 08:00
Poland's prime minister and defence minister have thanked US President Joe Biden for enhancing global security, strengthening transatlantic ties and steadfastly supporting Ukraine during his time in the White House.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.Photo: EPA/JIM LO SCALZO

Biden on Sunday announced he was withdrawing his re-election bid, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him in the US presidential race.

Addressing Biden in a post on the X social media platform, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote: "You’ve taken many difficult decisions thanks to which Poland, America and the world are safer, and democracy stronger. I know you were driven by the same motivations when announcing your final decision. Probably the most difficult one in your life."

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz thanked Biden for strengthening transatlantic cooperation during his term and for steadfastly supporting Ukraine against Russia's invasion.

"US President Joe Biden will not be seeking re-election," Kosiniak-Kamysz wrote on X. "Throughout his term, President Biden strengthened transatlantic cooperation and steadfastly supported Ukraine, increasing the sense of security in our region. Thank you for your good cooperation, Mr. President."

Biden quits US presidential race, endorses VP Kamala Harris to replace him

Biden's announcement on Sunday that he is withdrawing from the US presidential race came amid mounting pressure from his fellow Democrats, with election day less than four months away, news agencies reported.

In a post on X, Biden, 81, said he would remain in his role as president and commander-in-chief of the US armed forces until his term ends in January next year.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President," Biden wrote. "And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” he added.

In a second post on X, Biden, who is the oldest sitting president in US history, endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.

"My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term," Biden wrote.

He added: "My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it's been the best decision I've made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats - it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this."

He appealed for donations to support her campaign.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, CNN, Reuters