British Prime Minister Theresa May called President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday to congratulate him on his victory in the presidential election, and call for a strong relationship with the U.S. as her country prepares its exit from the European Union.
May “highlighted her wish to strengthen bilateral trade and investment with the U.S. as we leave the EU,” according to a read-out of the call.
She also “expressed her commitment to building and expanding the UK’s relationships around the world, particularly after the referendum vote.”
The U.K.’s “Brexit” vote this summer stunned pollsters and analysts in a manner similar to Trump’s win this week. British commentators and the country’s political establishment were convinced of a comfortable victory for the “Remain” side of the Brexit debate before voters chose to leave the EU in June.
May was swept into power in the aftermath of the referendum.
Her call to Trump Thursday was one of many congratulatory messages that the president-elect has received in the past two days.
Leaders from Israel, Germany and Russia have also issued statements of congratulations to Trump for winning the presidential election.
