On Monday, German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock praised U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to drop his re-election campaign.

“I have great respect for the U.S. 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.

Mr 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 Mr Biden.

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

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

Ms Baerbock said European leaders would follow events in the United States closely, describing cooperation with the U.S. 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. 

(dpa/NAN)