Trump to host Australian PM on February 23

Washington, Feb 2 (IANS) US President Donald Trump will welcome Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to the White House on February 23.

The two leaders will discuss a range of shared bilateral, regional and global priorities including fighting terrorism, promoting economic growth and expanding security as well as defence cooperation, the White House said in a statement cited by Xinhua news agency.

Last year, Trump engaged in a combative call with Turnbull over refugee issues one week after his inauguration, pressing the latter to make concessions on receiving refugees.

Turnbull insisted that both nations should abide by the agreement, making Trump snap towards the end of the call.

"I have been making these calls all day, and this is the most unpleasant call all day," Trump said.

The US President complained that he had to accept refugees held by Australia on the islands of Nauru or Manus for more than three years.

"I am saying, boy that will make us look awfully bad," he said. "The US has become like a dumping ground."