By Kat Wong in Canberra

Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to Justin Trudeau as a friend and welcome ally after the Canadian prime minister revealed he would step down from the top job.

Throughout their terms, the two prime ministers have met at diplomatic events and made joint statements on international issues like the war in Gaza.

But their political relationship will soon come to an end as Mr Trudeau announced he would resign from the Canadian Liberal Party’s leadership following internal pressure, infighting and miserable polling results.

Mr Albanese has sent his well wishes to the outgoing leader and highlighted the camaraderie between their nations, particularly during their respective bushfire seasons.

“I regard him as a personal friend, but he is a great friend of Australia,” he told reporters in Rockhampton on Tuesday.

“Every time there has been a natural disaster in Australia, we have had Canadians on the ground here … those skills and that equipment has been welcomed.

“I wish Justin Trudeau all the very best in whatever he chooses to do next in his life.”

Australia and Canada’s ties have remained strong for decades, with their military forces fighting side-by-side in several wars and diplomats working together through a range of international forums like the UN and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.

Mr Trudeau worked closely with both Labor and Coalition government during his time in office, Mr Albanese said.

He will stay on as prime minister and his party’s leader until a new chief is chosen.

The 53-year-old was considered a poster child of international progressive politics when he was first elected as Canada’s 23rd prime minister in 2015.

His government banned assault-style weapons, legalised recreational marijuana and medical assistance in dying, and established a federal carbon tax.

But as Canada headed towards its 2025 federal election, his popularity plummeted.

Like many other western nations, the high cost of living and housing crisis has bred resentment towards incumbent politicians.

Mr Trudeau’s resignation has raised questions over whether Mr Albanese will face a similar fate when Australians go to the ballot box later in the year.

Polling shows the Australian prime minister’s support has continued to slip.

But Mr Albanese’s time in the top job has been relatively short compared to the Canadian’s almost decade-long tenure, preventing discontent from building to the same level.