President Joe Biden congratulated his successor, President-elect Donald Trump, and promised a “peaceful and orderly transition of power” during a speech Thursday morning.

Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Biden said he has directed his entire administration to work with Trump’s team to ensure a smooth transition.

“We accept the choice the country made,” Biden said. “I’ve said many times: you can’t love your country only when you win.”

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Biden, who abandoned his own re-election bid in late July, praised Vice President Kamala Harris for running an “inspiring” campaign. Harris admitted the elections Wednesday, congratulating Trump and encouraging his followers to accept the election results.

“(Harris) has great character, real character,” Biden said. “He gave all his heart and effort. She and the whole team should be proud of the campaign they have led.”

The outcome of the election, Biden said, should “resolve the question about the integrity of the American electoral system.” Trump, who lost the 2020 election to Biden, has never officially acknowledged the race and continues to suggest the result was fraudulent.

“It’s honest, it’s fair and it’s transparent and it can be trusted, win or lose,” Biden said of the country’s electoral system.

On Wednesday, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said Biden called Trump “to congratulate him on his victory and extend an invitation to the White House to ensure a smooth transition between the current administration and the incoming administration.”

Trump “looks forward to the meeting, which will take place soon, and greatly appreciated the call,” Cheung said in a statement.

Biden said he had overseen a “historic presidency,” citing legislation he signed to modernize America’s infrastructure and rebuild the post-pandemic economy.

“Together, we changed America for the better,” Biden said. “Now we have 74 days to finish the mandate. Let’s make every day count. This is the responsibility we have to the American people.”