PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday spoke with U.S. President-elect Joe Biden to congratulate him and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their election win. Trudeau was the first international leader to speak with Biden after his win.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Trudeau and Biden “agreed on the importance of the unique Canada-U.S. partnership, and committed to work together to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic and to support a sustainable economic recovery in both countries and the hemisphere.”

The statement added: “The two leaders looked forward to cooperating on the fight against climate change, on migration, and on global security, and to working closely together within NATO and the G7. They also agreed on the importance of addressing anti-Black racism.

“The Prime Minister looked forward to further strengthening the Canada-U.S. relationship and to engaging on key issues, including trade, softwood lumber, Buy America, and energy cooperation such as Keystone XL.

“The Prime Minister also raised the cases of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who have been arbitrarily detained in China.”

Trudeau and Biden agreed to stay in close contact.