UK's Brown Looks Forward to Obama's Leadership

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Tuesday he believes U.S. President-elect Barack Obama can help restore prosperity following the downturn sparked by the global economic crisis. Brown said in an interview with a British newspaper that Obama has opportunities to help fix the world economy, promote democracy and individual freedom, and tackle terrorism once he takes office.

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"He worries about the effects of the economy on people's lives," Brown said, according to The Sun newspaper. "He has a big vision of how America can contribute to the long-term prosperity of the world, as well as peace."

Brown didn't explain why he was optimistic about Obama's economic policy, but said the men would work closely together on fighting the crisis.

The British leader told The Sun he believes ties between London and Washington can strengthen under Obama's administration _ though Britain has also shared a close bond with the United States under the administration of President George W. Bush.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was on Tuesday receiving the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom from Bush to recognize his support during wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Brown described Bush as a friend and told the newspaper that he expects to have a similarly close relationship with Obama. Brown said Obama's election as the first black president was an inspiration.

The British leader said he expects to collaborate closely with Obama on climate change and health care work, particularly missions to eradicate malaria and AIDS in the developing world.

On Bush, Brown said he respected the U.S. president's determination to pursue terrorists in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

But London Mayor Boris Johnson criticized Bush's leadership.

In a posting on his Web site Tuesday, Johnson, a member of the opposition Conservative Party, said the British public is unlikely to remember Bush's tenure with fondness because of the Iraq war and the credit crunch.