U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussed Britain's future after Brexit over the phone, the White House said in a statement Monday. 

The two leaders "agreed to immediately deepen and expand the bilateral economic relationship upon the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union" in the call last Friday, the statement said. 

Johnson succeeded Theresa May as Britain's prime minister recently after an election by the country's ruling Conservative Party put him over his rival Jeremy Hunt. 

Trump congratulated Johnson on the victory in a tweet, saying "He will be great!" 

The U.S. president, who was often at odds with May, is believed to be on friendlier terms with Johnson as he had threw his weight behind Johnson's campaign to be Britain's next prime minister before Johnson's win, adding that he believed "Boris would be excellent."  

Johnson is reportedly planning a trip to the United States before the Brexit deadline of October 31 to restore the bilateral relationship after leaked criticism made by Britain's former top diplomat in Washington triggered a backslash from Trump, and discuss possible trade deals. 

(Cover: People protest demanding an end to Brexit and a "No" to Boris Johnson as the new prime minister in London, Britain, July 20, 2019. /VCG Photo)

(With input from Xinhua, Reuters)