We’ll make a good fist of friendship
AN historic meeting between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has entrenched the “special” bond between the two nations – as the pair pledged to work together to stare down terrorism.
Amid a backdrop of commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the WWIIturning Allied victory at the Battle of the Coral Sea, Mr Trump lauded “the very, very special prime minister” and said he was “very proud” of their partnership.
The comments were a world away from reports earlier this year of the President slamming down the phone on Mr Turnbull during a tense first call between the leaders.
Mr Trump said reports of the phone call were “exaggerated” and “fake news”.
“We had a great telephone call,” Mr Trump said. “You guys exaggerated that call. That was a big exaggeration. We’re not babies.”
The 40 minute one-onone meeting last night was described as warm and productive by senior sources, and the leaders strengthened their resolve against security threats including North Korea and Islamic State terrorism in Syria and Iraq.
Mr Trump said his private discussion with Mr Turnbull canvassed national security issues and the economy. “Together we discussed crucial issues ranging from national security to trade, immigration and enhanced economic cooperation,” he said.
The President invited the First Lady Melania Trump and Lucy Turnbull to join them towards the end of their meeting – in a move that senior sources said symbolised how the bilateral relationship was family, and not simply a formality.
Their meeting took place as guests were arriving for a prestigious black-tie event hosted by the American Australian Association on board the USS Intrepid, now a museum on the Hudson River in New York.
The star-studded crowd at the event included famous faces such as actor John Travolta, golfer Greg Norman, iron ore magnate Gina Rinehart, Gold Coast Olympic swimmer Grant Hackett and former PM Kevin Rudd.
Mr Trump was introduced to the stage by News Corporation executive chairman Rupert Murdoch.