US President Donald Trump and Boris Johnson spoke on the phone today for the first time since the Prime Minister left hospital after being admitted to intensive care with coronavirus.
Johnson is gradually returning to work from his Chequers residence this week.
The Tory leader and Trump agreed “on the importance of a co-ordinated international response to coronavirus” during the phone call – and also spoke on their hopes for signing a Brexit trade deal “as soon as possible”.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: Is Donald Trump's medical advisor stealing his thunder?
The trade discussion comes after weeks of calls for the Brexit transition period deadline of December 31 2020 to be extended as the world addresses the Covid-19 pandemic.
Number 10 said Johnson had already been in touch with other world leaders this week, including Justin Trudeau in Canada where there has been a deadly mass shooting.
The Prime Minister is also expected to speak to the Queen later in the week.
Johnson spent seven nights at St Thomas’ Hospital in London earlier this month and has since been recovering at his country residence in Buckinghamshire.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman today said Johnson will be “continuing his recovery at Chequers and isn't formally doing government work”.
READ MORE: UK Government rejects Michael Russell's Brexit delay request
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab continues to deputise for the Prime Minister as he recovers.
Raab will stand in for Johnson at virtual PMQs tomorrow and chair a Cabinet meeting later in the week.
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