Australians welcome Obama as new U.S. president

Source: Xinhua | 01-21-2009 15:24

CANBERRA, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Australians have welcomed Barak Obama to be the new president of the United States, as the newly-sworn in president promised America was the friend of "each nation" and was "ready to lead once more", local media reported on Wednesday.

Both ruling and opposition parties have embraced the new president - the first African-American to lead the country - as a catalyst for hope and change across the globe.

Rudd told reporters it was a great moment for the people of America, as well as people around the world who believed in freedom, democracy and progress.

Rudd said Australia was ready to stand with the U.S. to face challenges such as Afghanistan, climate change and the global financial crisis.

"Economic storm clouds are on the horizon, the task of tackling climate change lies before us, as allies (we) share great challenges in Afghanistan and beyond," he said.

"But in President Obama I say this, Australia will have a friend and an ally to shoulder these challenges together."

Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull said it was a remarkable moment in history.

Turnbull said the coalition looked forward to the vision Obama was offering the world.

"He offers real hope to the world and real energy and certainty and we, the coalition, welcome his election, his inauguration of the United States and we look forward to the bonds between Australia and the United States being stronger than ever under his presidency," he said.

Australian Greens leader Bob Brown also called on the government to invite the new president to visit Australia as soon as possible.

Editor:Zhang Yun