Britain and the European Union will both “remain indispensable partners for the United States”, President Barack Obama says, following a vote by Britain to leave European Union.
“The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision”, Obama says, noting the “special relationship” between the US and Britain and pointing to its role as a NATO ally.
The White House also praised the European Union for its work promoting stability, economic growth and the spread of democratic values.
“The United Kingdom and the European Union 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, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world”, he says in a statement.
Obama had said ahead of the vote that the decision was up to the British people, but stressed that the US benefited from a strong Britain within the European Union.