Political leaders from around the world were quick to congratulate Joe Biden after U.S. networks declared him as the projected winner of the bitter race for the White House, defeating incumbent President Donald Trump. 

As crowds poured onto the streets of Washington and other cities in exuberant celebration and former U.S. President Barack Obama hailed Biden's win as "decisive" and "historic," here are some of the first reactions from political figures across the globe: 

Ireland: Prime Minister Micheal Martin was one of the first to take to Twitter and hail the Irish-America Democrat Joe Biden as "president-elect." 

"I want to congratulate the new President Elect of the USA @JoeBiden," the Irish leader tweeted. "Joe Biden has been a true friend of this nation throughout his life and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead. I also look forward to welcoming him back home when the circumstances allow!" 

Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was also quick off the mark. "I look forward to working with President-elect Biden, Vice President-elect (Kamala) Harris, their administration, and the United States Congress as we tackle the world's greatest challenges together," Trudeau said in a statement. 

Britain: Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulated Biden "on his election as President of the United States and Kamala Harris on her historic achievement." "The U.S. is our most important ally and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities, from climate change to trade and security."

France: President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: "The Americans have chosen their President. Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris! We have a lot to do to overcome today's challenges. Let's work together!"

Germany: Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated Biden, saying Germany's transatlantic ties with the U.S. were "irreplaceable." And Foreign Minister Heiko Maas hailed Biden's election as a "new start" for transatlantic relations. "We want to invest in our cooperation (with the new president) for a new start in transatlantic relations, a 'new deal'," he tweeted, as Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz hailed the opening of a "new chapter."

European Union: In a joint statement, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, president of the European Council, which represents the leaders of EU member states, said: "We take note of the latest development in the electoral process." "On this basis, the EU congratulates President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on reaching enough Electoral Votes."

Greece: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis tweeted: "Congratulations to U.S. President-Elect @JoeBiden. Joe Biden has been a true friend of Greece and I'm certain that under his presidency the relationship between our countries will grow even stronger."

Italy: Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tweeted: "Congratulations to the American people and institutions for an outstanding turnout of democratic vitality. We are ready to work with the President-elect @JoeBiden to make the transatlantic relationship stronger. The U.S. can count on Italy as a solid ally and a strategic partner." 

Belgium: Prime Minister Alexander De Croo tweeted: "Congratulations @JoeBiden with your election as 46th President of the United States. A record number of people have cast their vote in this election. This illustrates the vibrancy of the American political life and its democracy." 

Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted: "The American people have chosen the 46th President of the United States. Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. We wish you good luck and all the best. We are looking forward to cooperating with you to tackle the challenges ahead of us."

Japan: Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday congratulated Joe Biden on winning the White House, pledging to work with the Democrat to further strengthen the nations' ties. "Warm congratulations to @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance and ensure peace, freedom and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond," he wrote on Twitter.

India: "Congratulations @JoeBiden on your spectacular victory!" Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted. In a separate tweet to Biden's running mate Kamala Harris, whose mother was Indian, Modi wrote: "Your success is pathbreaking, and a matter of immense pride not just for your chittis, but also for all Indian-Americans." "Chitti" is a Tamil term of endearment for the younger sisters of one's mother, which Harris used in her acceptance of the Democratic nomination for vice president. She is the first woman of color elected to the U.S. vice presidency.

Palestine: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated Biden in a statement issued from his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah. "I congratulate President-elect Joe Biden on his victory as President of the United States of America for the coming period," the statements said. It added: "I look forward to working with the President-elect and his administration." 

Israel: "Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. Joe, we've had a long & warm personal relationship for nearly 40 years, and I know you as a great friend of Israel. I look forward to working with both of you to further strengthen the special alliance between the U.S. and Israel," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Biden via his Twitter account, which still carries a photograph of him and incumbent U.S. President Donald Trump at its head.

Netanyahu thanked Trump in a subsequent tweet: "Thank you @realDonaldTrump for the friendship you have shown the state of Israel and me personally, for recognizing Jerusalem and the Golan, for standing up to Iran, for the historic peace accords and for bringing the American-Israeli alliance to unprecedented heights."

Iraq: President Barham Saleh extended "warmest congratulations" to Biden, describing him as "a friend and trusted partner in the cause of building a better Iraq. We look forward to working to achieve our common goals and strengthening peace and stability in the entire Middle East." 

Australia: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wished Biden and Harris "every success." "The Australia-US Alliance is deep and enduring, and built on shared values. I look forward to working with you closely as we face the world's many challenges together," he tweeted.

South Korea: South Korean President Moon Jae-in tweeted: "Congratulations to @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. Our alliance is strong and the bond between our two countries is rock-solid. I very much look forward to working with you for our shared values." 

Afghanistan: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said ties between Kabul and Washington would deepen over counterterrorism as he congratulated Biden. "Afghanistan looks forward to continuing/deepening our multilayered strategic partnership with the United States – our foundational partner – including in counterterrorism & bringing peace to Afghanistan," Ghani tweeted.

NATO: NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg described Biden as a "strong supporter of our Alliance." Stoltenberg tweeted that he looked forward to working with Biden. "A strong NATO is good for both North America and Europe."

WHO: WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Biden in a tweet. "Congratulations to President-elect @JoeBiden & Vice President-Elect @KamalaHarris! My @WHO colleagues and I look forward to working with you and your teams. Crises like the #COVID19 pandemic show the importance of global solidarity in protecting lives and livelihoods. Together!"

Saudi Arabia: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday congratulated Biden and running mate Kamala Harris, state news agency SPA reported.

"King Salman praised the distinguished, historic and close relations between the two friendly countries and their people which everyone looks to strengthen and develop at all levels," SPA added.

(With input from agencies)