The dictionary of diplomacy-speak may need to be re-written for Trump.
Australia was forced to defend its military
alliance with the US on Thursday following reports that Donald Trump’s weekend phone conversation with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was “the worst call by far” that he has held with any foreign leader to date.
The move comes amid speculation over the future of a refugee resettlement deal, which Canberra struck with the previous US administration of Barack Obama. The deal would see more than 1,250 refugees — many from Iran, Iraq and other predominantly Muslim countries — resettled in the US from the remote Pacific islands where they are held by Australia.
During the 25-minute call on Sunday, Mr Trump described the agreement as the “worst deal ever” and accused Australia of seeking to export the “next Boston Bombers” to the US, according to a
report in the Washington Post. Mr Trump then cut short the planned one-hour conversation.
Later on Thursday Mr Trump tweeted he would “
study this dumb deal!”
“I can assure you the relationship is very strong,” said Mr Turnbull, who described the conversation as “
courteous, frank and forthright”.
Washingon Post article