Obama reaffirms 'special relationship' in wake of BREXIT

President Obama has issued a statement reaffirming the United States' "special relationship" with the United Kingdom and NATO in wake of a referendum that will lead the U.K. to exit the European Union.

"The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision," Obama said in a Friday statement. "The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdom's membership in NATO remains a vital cornerstone of U.S. foreign, security, and economic policy."

Obama also praised the E.U. for promoting stability, economic growth and the spread of democratic values.

"The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security, and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world," he said.