Boris Johnson has said he looks forward to working closely with Joe Biden as America’s president-elect prepares to take office.

Mr Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday amid unprecedented security after Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol earlier this month.

In a statement ahead of his inauguration, Mr Johnson declared his intention to work “hand in hand” with the new incumbent of the White House on promoting their shared goals.

Our goals are the same and our nations will work hand in hand to achieve them

The Prime Minister, however, is viewed with suspicion by some influential Democrats who regard him as “Trump clone” – an image that he is anxious to shake off.

In his statement, he pointed to the continuing common interests the UK and the US share on defence, security and “defending democracy”.

At the same time, he highlighted Britain’s upcoming role in chairing the G7 summit in Cornwall and the Cop26 climate change conference in Glasgow – both priorities for the new administration, as the world recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Johnson said: “I warmly congratulate Joe Biden on his historic inauguration as 46th president of the United States and look forward to working closely with his new administration as we defeat Covid and build back better from the pandemic

“In our fight against Covid and across climate change, defence, security and in promoting and defending democracy, our goals are the same and our nations will work hand in hand to achieve them.

“I look forward to welcoming him to Carbis Bay for the G7 and Glasgow for Cop as we join forces to protect our planet.

“Only through international cooperation can we truly overcome the shared challenges which we face.”