*Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2018 *

**Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Prime Minister Malcolm B. Turnbull of Australia and an Exchange With Reporters **

*February 23, 2018 *

*President Trump.* Thank you very much. It's an honor to have Prime Minister Turnbull, Mrs. Turnbull—friends of mine and friends of Melania for, actually, quite some time.

The relationship we have with Australia is a terrific relationship, and probably stronger now than ever before—maybe because of our relationship, our friendship. But we're working on trade deals, we're working on military and protection and all of the things that you would think we would be discussing today.

We have a big meeting set up in a little while, and we have a luncheon set up, also. And we have all of our representatives surrounding us, and a lot of good things will come out of this visit.

So, Mr. Prime Minister, we very much appreciate you being here. Thank you very much.

*Prime Minister Turnbull.* Thank you, Donald. Thank you so much. Thank you. And I just say, thank you and Melania for your hospitality and your friendship.

It's the hundred years of mateship that we're celebrating this year. A hundred years ago, for the first time, Australians and American soldiers went into battle together, in the Battle of Hamel on July the 4th, 1918, and we have been fighting side-by-side in freedom's cause ever since.

So, a hundred years of mateship and a hundred more to come. Thank you.

*President Trump.* Thank you very much. That's great. Thank you all very much. Thank you, thank you.

*Q.* Mr. President, any concerns about Rick Gates?

*President Trump. *Thank you very much.

*The President's Travel to Australia *

*Q. *Mr. President, are you visiting Australia anytime soon? We'd love to have you in Australia.

*President Trump.* I would. Yes, I would. We will be there. Great place.

*Q. *Any concerns about Rick Gates cutting a deal with Mueller?

*President Trump. *Thank you very much, everybody.

*Refugees *

*Q. *[*Inaudible*]—resolve the refugee issues?

*President Trump.* We'll talk about it. Thank you.

*The President's Travel to Australia *

*Q. *Any plans to come to Australia? *President Trump.* I would, absolutely.

*Q. *You'd like to come to Australia?

*President Trump.* Been there. I've been there. I love it. Absolutely.

NOTE: The President spoke at 12:38 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to Lucinda M. Turnbull, wife of Prime Minister Turnbull. A reporter referred to Richard W. Gates III, former deputy chairman, 2016 Donald J. Trump Presidential campaign; and Department of Justice Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III. A portion of these remarks could not be verified because the audio was incomplete.

*Categories:* Interviews With the News Media : Exchange with reporters :: White House; Meetings With Foreign Leaders and International Officials : Australia, Prime Minister Turnbull*.*

*Locations: *Washington, DC.

*Names:* Trump, Melania; Turnbull, Lucinda M.; Turnbull, Malcolm B.

*Subjects:* Australia : Prime Minister; Australia : Relations with U.S.; Australia : Trade with U.S.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201800113.