Mayor Kirk Caldwell endorsed Gov. Neil Abercrombie for re-election on Monday, stressing an improved relationship between Honolulu Hale and Washington Place.

Caldwell and Abercrombie symbolically met and shook hands in the crosswalk of Punchbowl Street between the state Capitol and city hall.

“For the past 40 years, since some of you — before you were born — governors and mayors have fought. Constantly and forever,” Caldwell said at a news conference announcing the endorsement. “And as a result, the work of the city and county of Honolulu isn’t done as easily, as quickly, as efficiently and sometimes not done at all.

“And in the year-and-a half that I’ve been mayor, I have formed a very strong, close working relationship with Gov. Abercrombie that has produced tangible results.”

Caldwell cited working with the state on the city’s rail project, a conservation easement at Turtle Bay Resort, homelessness, bicycle sharing, and a greater city share of the hotel-room tax.

“Our styles are very different, but in one thing we’re similar on is we love this place,” Caldwell said.

Abercrombie is facing state Sen. David Ige in the Democratic primary on Aug. 9.

“Everyone knows that the relationship between the mayor of the city and county of Honolulu and the governor is crucial and key and central to progress for everyone throughout the state, not just on the island of Oahu,” Abercrombie said.