'THROUGH THICK & THIN'
Ukraine’s president Zelensky congratulates Keir Starmer & thanks Rishi Sunak as world reacts to general election
The Ukrainian president took to X to congratulate Labour's "convincing" general election win.
WORLD Leaders have reacted to Labour's election win, as the Ukrainian president was one of the first to congratulate Keir Starmer on social media.
Volodymyr Zelensky took to X (formally Twitter) to congratulate Labour's "convincing election victory".
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He said: Ukraine and the United Kingdom have been and will continue to be reliable allies through thick and thin.
"We will continue to defend and advance our common values of life, freedom, and a rules-based international order.
"I wish the incoming government every success both in domestic affairs and in solidifying the UK’s leadership on the world stage.
"I look forward to working closely together on strengthening the Ukraine-UK partnership and restoring international peace and security."
The Ukrainian president also took the time to thank outgoing Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.
He said: "I am grateful to my good friend Rishi Sunak for the UK government's steadfast support under his leadership.
"Challenger tanks, Storm Shadow missiles, F-16 training for our pilots, and the first bilateral security cooperation agreement are just a few of our shared achievements that Ukraine will never forget.
"Thank you, Rishi."
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Security, migration and the war in Gaza were some of the issues raised as world leaders congratulated their "friend" Sir Keir Starmer on his General Election victory.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among the first to share a message on X as he said he hoped to build a "progressive, fair future" with the Labour leader - who he described as "my friend".
Keir set to be Britain’s next Prime Minister with landslide 170-seat majority over Rishi, exit poll predicts
He said: "Congratulations, (Sir Keir), on a historic U.K. election victory.
"Lots of work ahead to build a more progressive, fair future for people on both sides of the Atlantic. Let's get to it, my friend."
Israeli president Isaac Herzog said he looked forward to working together to bringing home hostages taken by Hamas.
He said: "I send my warmest congratulations to (Sir Keir)."
"As he prepares to enter Downing Street as Prime Minister, I look forward to working together with him and his new government to bring our hostages home, to build a better future for the region, and to deepen the close friendship between Israel and the United Kingdom."
Mr Herzog also expressed his "deepest appreciation and gratitude" to outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak "for his leadership and for standing with the Israeli people especially during this most difficult period".
European Council president Charles Michel declared Sir Keir's election would mark a "new cycle" for the UK as he looked forward to working together on "common challenges" on social media site X.
He said: "Congratulations Keir Starmer on a historic election victory in the UK.
"(The European Union and UK) are crucial partners, cooperating in all areas of mutual interest for our citizens.
"I look forward to working with you and your government in this new cycle for the UK.
"See you soon in the European Political Community meeting on 18 July in the UK where we will discuss common challenges, including stability, security, energy and migration."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: "I am delighted about the election victory of the leader of our sister party in the UK.
"I know Keir Starmer personally, we have often met and talked. He will be a very good, very successful prime minister... I also have the impression that we won't have much trouble developing relations between Europe and the UK and between Germany and the UK."
While Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg told press: "I will congratulate Keir Starmer on his election. I look forward to welcoming him and meeting him at the NATO summit in Washington next week.
"I have met Keir Starmer here at the NATO headquarters and I know that he is a strong supporter of NATO, of the transatlantic alliance and also committed to ensuring that United Kingdom continues to be a strong and very committed NATO ally."
Prime minister of Estonia Kaja Kallas shared a message highlighting "common security" goals.
He said: "Congratulations on your historic election victory, (Sir Keir).
"Estonia and the UK are the strongest of allies and the closest of friends. The UK's commitment to our common security is valued by every Estonian.
"I'm sure our excellent cooperation will only continue to thrive."
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese also took to X and said he was looking forward to working constructively with Sir Keir, describing him as a "friend".
He said: Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said he is looking forward to working constructively with Sir Keir, describing him as his "friend".
"Congratulations to my friend and new UK Prime Minister (Sir Keir) on his resounding election victory - I look forward to working constructively with the incoming (Labour) Government."
French president Emmanuel Macron said he was pleased with his first discussion with Starmer.
He said: "Congratulations Sir Keir Starmer on your victory.
"Pleased with our first discussion. We will continue the work begun with the UK for our bilateral cooperation, for peace and security in Europe, for the climate and for AI."
Conservative Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was also quick to react to the news.
He said: "Congratulations to Keir Starmer on winning the UK general election.
"The Greek government is ready to work together to further deepen the close friendship and cooperation between our countries."
Irish prime minister Simon Harris congratulated Starmer on his win.
He said: "The relationship between an Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) and a British prime minister is vital.
It is time for a great reset. This morning from Dublin, I want to send a message to London that I will match Keir Starmer's commitment and energy to our peace process and to our future potential in so many areas."
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi took to X to offer her heartiest congratulations to Starmer.
She wrote: "Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Keir Starmer on the remarkable victory in the general elections.
I look forward to our positive and constructive collaboration to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all areas, fostering mutual growth and prosperity."
She also thanked outgoing prime minister Rishi Sunak.
She said: "Thank you Rishi Sunak for your admirable leadership of the UK, and your active contribution to deepen the ties between India and the UK during your term in office."
New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon offered his congratulations to new prime minister Keir Starmer on X.
He said: "Congratulations Keir Starmer on your election victory.
"New Zealand and the UK are great friends and can do so much more together.
"I look forward to working on every opportunity together as prime ministers.
"Thank you Rishi Sunak for your service to your nation and friendship to New Zealand."
Italian prime minister Georgia Meloni also took social media platform X to express her congratulations.
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She said: "My congratulations to Keir Starmer on his election success. Relations between Italy and the United Kingdom are excellent and I'm sure we'll continue to cultivate a relationship of strong and reliable cooperation between our great nations...
"I thank my friend Rishi Sunak for these years of intense cooperation and sincere friendship."
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Starmer vows to 'rebuild' UK
By Ethan Singh
SIR Keir Starmer has declared "we did it" and said today "we start the next chapter" as his party won a landslide election.
In his victory speech, the Labour leader said the UK was again experiencing the "sunlight of hope".
Tory leader Rishi Sunak conceded defeat after a "sobering" night for his party which saw a record eight Cabinet minister lose their seats.
It is understood Sir Keir received a telephone call shortly before 4am when he was in a car with his wife Vic on the way to Labour's victory rally.
In Tate Modern's iconic turbine hall, Sir Keir said the country could now "get its future back".
He told jubilant activists "we did it", adding: "Change begins now."
Sir Keir said: "You campaigned for it, you fought for it, you voted for it, and now it has arrived - change begins now. It feels good, I have to be honest.
"Four-and-a-half years of work changing the party, this is what it is for - a changed Labour Party ready to serve our country, ready to restore Britain to the service of working people.
"And across our country, people will be waking up to the news, relief that a weight has been lifted, a burden finally removed from the shoulders of this great nation.
"And now we can look forward, walk into the morning, the sunlight of hope, pale at first but getting stronger through the day, shining once again, on a country with the opportunity after 14 years to get its future back."