Biden congratulates Trump in a phone call and invites him to a meeting at the White House

President Joe Biden spoke by phone with former President Donald Trump on Wednesday to congratulate him on winning the presidency, a White House statement said.

“President Biden expressed his commitment to a smooth transition and emphasized the importance of working to bring the country together,” the White House said.

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Biden invited Trump to a meeting at the White House, the statement said.

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said the meeting would “take place shortly.”

“President Joe Biden called President Donald J. Trump to congratulate him on his victory and extended an invitation to the White House to ensure a smooth transition between the current and incoming administrations. President Trump looks forward to the meeting that will take place.” “We will be in touch with you shortly and greatly appreciated the call,” Cheung said in a statement.

Biden also spoke by phone with Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday to congratulate her on “her historic election campaign,” the White House said.

Later, after Harris' concession speech to the nation on Wednesday afternoon, Biden released a statement praising Harris, saying she had been a “great partner and public servant full of integrity, courage and character.”

“She stepped to the forefront under extraordinary circumstances and led a historic campaign that embodied what is possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is freer, fairer and full of more opportunity for all American is,” Biden said.

Biden said choosing Harris as his running mate was “the best decision” he made.

“Her story represents America's best story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she will continue to write that story,” Biden said.

“She will continue the fight with purpose, determination and joy. She will continue to be a champion for all Americans. Most importantly, she will continue to be a leader that our children will look up to for generations to come as she puts her stamp on America's future,” Biden added.

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According to the Trump campaign, Trump and Harris also spoke by phone on Wednesday. Harris told Trump she would work with Biden to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, unlike the 2020 transition, according to an email Harris campaign manager Jen O'Malley Dillon sent to campaign staff.

According to the White House, Biden plans to discuss the election results and the transition on Thursday.

Harris' defeat came as Trump won overnight victories in the swing states of Pennsylvania, Georgia and Wisconsin. Trump won another swing state, Michigan, on Wednesday.

ABC News' Katherine Faulders contributed to this report.

Biden congratulates Trump via phone call and invites him to a meeting at the White House. Originally appeared on abcnews.go.com