Obama Reaffirms Ties to UK After Brexit Vote

President Obama today reaffirmed the ties between the U.S and the United Kingdom, after its vote to leave the European Union, stressing "one thing that will not change is the special relationship between our two nations -- that will endure."

Obama said that earlier Friday morning he spoke with British Prime Minister David Cameron, who has announced his resignation in the wake of the referendum, as well as German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

"David has been an outstanding friend and partner on the global stage and based on our conversation I'm confident that the UK's committed to an orderly transition out of the EU," Obama said. "We agreed that our economic and financial teams will remain in close contact as we stay focused on ensuring economic growth and financial stability."

The president said he and Merkel "agreed that the United States and our European allies will work closely together in the weeks and months ahead."

Obama said the UK's vote to leave the EU "speaks to the ongoing changes and challenges that are raised by globalization.

"The EU will remain one of our indispensable partners," Obama promised. "The NATO alliance will remain a cornerstone of global security."

"Our shared values including our commitment to democracy and pluralism, and opportunity for all people in a globalized world -- that will continue to unite all of us," he added.