Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Kamala Harris is a “good friend of Australia”, as he responds to US President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the race and throw his support behind the vice president.

Albanese called Harris a “strong vice president” and recalled meeting her on the sidelines of the G7 meeting in Thailand and on other visits to the US.

“Of course, we will wait and see what comes out of the Democratic convention,” the prime minister told ABC’s RN Breakfast.

“She’s someone who is very committed to social inclusion, in particular to gender equality as well which will be a major issue in the US election in November.”

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The PM used most of the interview to heap praise on Biden, lauding the “very significant economic relationship [that] has grown in our trade during his presidency”.

“He’s someone who has stood up for values of social inclusion, and importantly as well for Australia, and for the world, he’s been a leading figure on climate action,” Albanese said.

“[Biden] will continue to be, over the coming months, the most important leader in our globe. Of course, the United States is our most important ally.”

Albanese also praised Biden personally, calling him an “incredibly decent, honourable man of integrity”.