(CNN) -- Members of the international community have welcomed Barack Obama becoming the 44th President of the United States -- and the first African-American to take leadership of his country. Barack and Michelle Obama pictured before the inauguration Tuesday in Washington. Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso said: "I believe President Obama will exercise outstanding leadership and achieve great success, leading his distinguished team on each field including foreign policy, national security, economy, environment/energy, in overcoming the serious economic situations and other difficult challenges. "I am confident that Japan and the United States, which are in the position of leading the world, can create a better future, by putting together our expertise, will, passion and strategy. With this conviction, I intend to work hand in hand with President Obama, to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance, and make efforts towards the peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and the world."
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Leaders around the world offer their congratulations to Obama inauguration
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French president: U.S. has vigorously expressed confidence in progress
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UK PM Brown: New president is a "man of great vision and moral purpose"
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Kenya president: We recall your remarkable journey to become leader
"As you are entering office, I should like to convey to you, on my behalf and on the behalf of the people of France, my very best wishes for great success at the head of the @placeholder nation."