Two unlikely allies are joining forces to petition Albany to extend mayoral control over the New York City school system.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, and ex-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, a Republican, sent a joint letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state legislators on Monday.

The letter notes that it is “no secret” that de Blasio and Giuliani frequently disagree, underscoring the importance of the request.

Mayoral control is part of Albany’s current budget negotiations.

Giuliani pushed for it while mayor but never succeeded.

His immediate successor, Michael Bloomberg, won mayoral control and it has continued under de Blasio.

De Blasio has asked for it to be made permanent. Cuomo balked at that request but has signaled that he would renew it for a few years.

(AP)