The outgoing administration of US President Donald Trump congratulated Britain and the EU on their post-Brexit trade deal and said Washington was ready to build “stronger transatlantic ties.”
“Congratulations to the UK and the EU for concluding a historic Brexit deal,” read a message from White House national security officials posted on Twitter.
“The United States is willing to work with everyone to build even stronger transatlantic relations in the years to come.”
Britain and the European Union secured the deal on Thursday after months of tortuous negotiations.
British Brexiters have long promised a favorable new trade deal with the United States to compensate for their departure from the EU.
And Trump, who supported Brexit and has good ties to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, seemed like his natural ally.
But the British will have to deal with Democrat Joe Biden, who will become US president on January 20 and is determined to strengthen multilateral cooperation, especially with the European Union.