Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "Earlier today, I spoke to British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond regarding yesterday's referendum in the United Kingdom. The citizens of the U.K. have made their decision and we will of course respect it.

"I want to emphasize that although the U.K. will be leaving the European Union, the British are in no way departing from the principles and values that undergird the Transatlantic Partnership or from the important role the U.K. plays in promoting peace and stability in the world. The special relationship that has long existed between the United States and the U.K. endures. Our two countries remain strong and vigilant NATO Allies, permanent members of the UN Security Council, commercial partners, and close friends.

"I also want to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to the European Union and the common agenda we share with Europe on such issues as Ukraine, nuclear nonproliferation, climate change, trade, and human rights.

"One thing that will absolutely not change in the years ahead is America's strong support for all our European friends and for a Euro-Atlantic relationship based on mutual support for democracy, a commitment to peace, and the rule of law."