U.S. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has officially conceded his defeat in a close election against President Barack Obama.

Romney called Obama Wednesday afternoon, Korea time, to concede the race to the incumbent after his victory was effectively decided with wins in crucial states.

Romney told his supporters at a Boston convention center shortly after that he ran for the presidency as he was concerned about the country, but he will now pray for President Obama to be successful in guiding the nation.

Romney urged politicians to put the people before politics and work together to create jobs. He also expressed gratitude to his wife and election campaigners for their efforts and support for his campaign.