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US President Donald Trump has hailed Shinzo Abe as the “greatest” prime minister in Japan’s history during a telephonic conversation between the two leaders,The Tribune reports.

Abe, 65, on Friday announced that he intends to step down because of poor health, his long-running battle with ulcerative colitis, ending a tenure as Japan’s longest-serving prime minister.

President Trump on Sunday night telephoned  Abe during which the two leaders spoke at length and reflected on the last four years.

“The two leaders remarked that their relationship is extraordinary; the President called Prime Minister Abe the greatest prime minister in Japan’s history,” the White House said in a readout of the call.

This was the first phone call between the two leaders after Abe’s announcement to resign.

“The President said that Prime Minister Abe has done a fantastic job and that the relationship between the United States and Japan is better today than it has ever been,” the White House said.

“Although Prime Minister Abe will be leaving his position soon, the President noted that he will undoubtedly keep playing a big role in the future of Japan,” it said, adding that the leaders said they look forward to continuing their wonderful friendship for years to come.

Abe, whose term ends in September 2021, is expected to stay on until a new party leader is elected and formally approved by Parliament.