German foreign minister praises Biden after campaign withdrawal

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Monday praised US President Joe Biden’s decision to drop his re-election campaign.

“I have great respect for the US president’s decision. Joe Biden is putting his country’s interests above his own,” she said in Brussels ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Biden made his historic announcement – following weeks of speculation over his fitness for office – on Sunday, throwing his Democratic Party into uncharted territory as Republican rival Donald Trump’s campaign gains steam.

Vice President Kamala Harris is the clear favourite to earn the Democratic nomination to succeed Biden.

Baerbock said the 81-year-old Biden has been vital in helping to maintain close transatlantic relations throughout his career, and especially during his term as president, which has been overshadowed by Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“NATO is stronger than ever before because we have acted and are still acting united and together,” she added.

Baerbock said European leaders will be following events in the United States closely, describing cooperation with the US as central to Europe’s “peace and security.”

Whatever the outcome of November’s presidential election, Baerbock said that further investment in European security is required.

“Europe must become stronger, especially in the area of foreign, security and defence policy,” she stated.