Trump says US-Aust bond is strong

President Trump says Americans have had no better friends than the Australians in his speech at the Battle of the Coral Sea 75th anniversary dinner in New York.

President Donald Trump with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull

Donald Trump has praised Australia and its military contributions to current and past conflicts. (AAP)

US President Donald Trump has praised Australia and its military contributions to current and past conflicts.

"We love Australia - always," Mr Trump told to an audience that included Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, First Lady Melania Trump, News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch and champion golfer Greg Norman.

"We really love Australia."

The president delivered a charm offensive during his speech on Thursday at an event in New York to honour the 75th anniversary of the Australian and US victory in the Battle of the Coral Sea.

Mr Trump's warm words came in contrast to the Washington Post report detailing the president's harsh words for Mr Turnbull in a January 28 phone call.

Mr Trump rejected the accuracy of the report as fake news.

Seconds later he admitted it may have been a little testy.

But in his speech he repeatedly reaffirmed the strong US-Australian bond.

"From the beaches of Normandy, a vicious, vicious fight, to the jungles of Vietnam and the desert landscapes of the Middle-East where lots of progress, believe it or not after all these years, is being made Americans have had no better friends than the Australians," Mr Trump said.

"I mean that.

"We are proudly and profoundly grateful for Australia's contributions in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan and their help fighting against terrorism following the terrible attacks of September 11."


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Published 5 May 2017 12:18pm
Source: AAP


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