World reaction as UK votes to leave EU

Joint statement by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Council President Donald Tusk, European Parliament President Martin Schulz and Dutch PM Mark Rutte"We now expect the United Kingdom government to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be. Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty. "We hope to have the UK as a close partner of the EU also in the future."Francois Hollande, French president"This is a painful choice and it is deeply regrettable both for the UK and Europe. But this choice is theirs and we must respect it, accepting all the consequences. "The British vote is a tough test for Europe."Angela Merkel, chancellor of Germany"We take note of the British people's decision with regret. There is no doubt that this is a blow to Europe and to the European unification process." Merkel said because of its history, Germany has "a particular interest and a particular responsibility" to make European unity a success.Barack Obama, US president"The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision. The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdom's membership in Nato remains a vital cornerstone of US foreign, security, and economic policy. "So too is our relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond. "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."Geert Wilders, Dutch Freedom Party leader"Hurrah for the British! Now it is our turn. Time for a Dutch referendum!"Marion Marechal Le Pen, French far-right politician"From #Brexit to #Frexit: It's now time to import democracy to our country. The French must have the right to choose!"Enda Kenny, prime minister of Ireland"I am very sorry that the result of the referendum is for the UK to leave the European Union. However, the British people have spoken and we fully respect their decision. "Ireland will, of course, remain a member of the European Union. That is profoundly in our national interest." After the UK leaves the EU, its only land border with an EU country will be between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Mr Kenny said the Irish government would "do our utmost" to maintain a pre-EU agreement of an open border for travellers and "minimise any possible disruptions to the flow of people, goods and services between these islands."Vladimir Putin, Russian president"A statement by the Prime Minister of Great Britain Mr Cameron before... the referendum, in which he voiced the position of Russia [that Moscow would benefit from Brexit] has no basis. I think this is nothing more than a flawed attempt to influence public opinion in his own country. "As we can see, even this did not bring the right result for those who did it, and moreover after the vote no one has the right to make statements about some position of Russia. This is nothing more than a demonstration of the low level of political culture."Jens Stoltenberg, Nato secretary general"The UK will remain a strong and committed Nato ally, and will continue to play its leading role in our alliance. "Today, as we face more instability and uncertainty, Nato is more important than ever as a platform for cooperation among European allies, and between Europe and North America. A strong, united and determined Nato remains an essential pillar of stability in a turbulent world, and a key contributor to international peace and security. "The alliance remains committed to closer cooperation with the European Union."Finance ministers of the G7 [comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US]"We recognise that excessive volatility and disorderly movements in exchange rates can have adverse implications for economic and financial stability. "G7 central banks have taken steps to ensure adequate liquidity and to support the functioning of markets. We stand ready to use the established liquidity instruments to that end."Malcolm Turnbull, Australian prime minister"The impact on Australia immediately, directly, from a legal point of view, will be very limited because it will take some years for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, to negotiate an exit. However, we've seen already large falls on stock markets and there will be a degree of uncertainty for some time."Manfred Weber, leader of the EPP, largest group in the European Parliament"Exit negotiations should be concluded within 2 years at max. There cannot be any special treatment. Leave means leave."Stefan Lofven, Prime Minister of Sweden"The debate and campaigning in the run-up to the referendum should serve as a wake-up call for Europe. They elicited stark polarisation and disturbing nationalism. This shows that EU cooperation must be developed and improved."UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's spokesman"Now, as the United Kingdom and other EU member states embark on the process of charting a way forward, the secretary general trusts in Europe's well-proven history of pragmatism and common responsibility in the interest of European citizens. "At the UN, we look forward to continuing our work with the United Kingdom and the European Union - both important partners. "The secretary general expects the European Union to continue to be a solid partner for the United Nations on development and humanitarian issues, as well as peace and security, including migration. "He also expects that the United Kingdom will continue to exercise its leadership in many areas, including development. He very much hopes that this will continue. "When we work together, we are stronger."Anton Boerner, head of Germany's foreign trade association"That is a catastrophic result for Britain and also for Europe and Germany, especially the German economy. It is disturbing that the oldest democracy in the world turns its back on us."Gerard Araud, French ambassador to Washington"Now to the other Members states to save the EU from unravelling which excludes business as usual, especially in Brussels. Reform or die!"Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan"We are very concerned over the risks to the global economy, and financial and exchange markets."