‘A valued ally’: World leaders react to Anthony Albanese’s election win

World leaders have reacted to Anthony Albanese’s election win, with the PM telling who was the first to congratulate him by phone.

Global leaders have congratulated Anthony Albanese on his election win as the world woke up to news of his re-election for a second term as Australia’s Prime Minister.

Speaking in the Sydney suburb of Leichhardt on Sunday, Mr Albanese said that Papua New Guinean leader James Marape, who called him at 7.45am, was the first foreign leader to congratulate him.

Mr Marape’s call was followed by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who had earlier tweeted his best wishes.

Congratulations, dear Prime Minister @AlboMP, on your re-election. In the face of global challenges, Australia and France have so much to achieve together — especially in the Indo-Pacific. Let us continue to write, with ambition and friendship, the new chapter of our partnership. pic.twitter.com/wpeCjRAvDs

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 3, 2025

“Congratulations @AlboMP on your re-election,” he posted on X.

“New Zealand has no better friend and no greater ally than Australia. I look forward to continuing our work together.”

French President Emmanuel Macron also sent his congratulations, heralding the “new chapter of our partnership”.

RUBIO, ZELENSKY, STARMER SEND BEST WISHES

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was one of the first to send his well wishes as he expressed hope to deepen Washington’s “enduring alliance” with an ally in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Australia is a valued ally, partner, and friend of the United States,” Mr Rubio said in a statement.

“The United States looks forward to deepening its relationship with Australia to advance our common interests and promote freedom and stability in the Indo-Pacific and globally.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was one of the first to send his well wishes. Picture: AFP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also said he hoped to further strengthen ties between Kyiv and Canberra.

“Ukraine sincerely values Australia’s unwavering support and its principled stance on ending Russia’s war and securing a dignified and lasting peace,” he said.

“We look forward to further strengthening our productive partnership.”

Anthony Albanese shortly after he secured the election win. Picture: Jason Edwards / NewsWire

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Mr Albanese by recognising the two countries as “close as ever”.

“I know that we will continue to work together on our shared ambitions,” he wrote on X, hailing their “collaboration on defence”, support for Ukraine and their joint AUKUS security agreement with the US.

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Mr Albanese’s election victory would strengthen ties between the India and Australia.

India has deepened defence cooperation with Australia in recent years as part of the Quad alliance with the US and Japan, a grouping seen as a bulwark against China.

“Congratulations on your resounding victory and re-election... This emphatic mandate indicates the enduring faith of the Australian people in your leadership,” Mr Modi said in a statement.

Mr Albanese is the first Australian prime minister to win consecutive terms in two decades after a staggering victory that has given Labor about 84 seats.