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Donald Trump issues Australia Day message highlighting strong trade partnership and friendship
US President Donald Trump has issued an Australia Day message, citing the long diplomatic relationship between the two countries and saying America has "no better friend".
Acting Secretary of State Thomas Shannon Jr issued the message on behalf of Mr Trump via a statement.
"On behalf of President Trump and the American people, it is my honour to congratulate the people of Australia as you celebrate this Australia Day, 229 years after the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Harbour," Mr Shannon said.
"It has been over 75 years since your Commonwealth and the United States established diplomatic relations, but connections between America and Australia reach back to that fleet."
Mr Trump pulled the US out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal with Australia and 10 other nations this week, saying he wanted to boost US manufacturing.
But his Australia Day message emphasised the close financial ties between the US and Australia, as well as the ease of movement of citizens between the two countries.
"Today, travel is easier, and we are honoured to host almost 1.5 million Australians in the United States each year, with over 200,000 Australians here on any given day," Mr Shannon said.
"Half a million Americans are fortunate enough to visit your land each year.
"Today, Australia and the United States are top trade and investment partners, with $US65 billion ($86 billion) in goods and services flowing between us each year.
"The United States is responsible for over a quarter of all foreign direct investment in Australia and we are the top destination for Australian investment abroad."
"The United States has no better friend than Australia, and our longstanding alliance is a force for stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and around the globe."
Donald Trump issues Australia Day message highlighting strong trade partnership and friendship - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)