U.S. President Donald J Trump (R) welcomes Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to the South Lawn of the White House for a state arrival ceremony on Friday. The occasion marks the second state visit of Trump's presidency. Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/UPI
From left to right, the prime minister's wife, Jennifer Morrison, U.S. first lady Melania Trump, Scott Morrison and Donald Trump wave from the Truman Balcony after the ceremony. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI.
Donald Trump greets spectators. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI.
Donald Trump shakes hands with Scott Morrison. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI.
Members of the Navy Honor Guard march for the ceremony. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI.
The Trumps and the Morrisons stand during the national anthem. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI.
Marine Honor Guard troops stand for the ceremony. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI.
The U.S. Army Band moves into position. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI.
The president and prime minister greet spectators. Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/UPI
Donald Trump welcomes Scott Morrison to the White House. Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/UPI
Spectators line up to shake hands with the president. Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/UPI
The president and prime minster walk along the colonnade of the White House. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI
Fashion designer Andre Soriano wears a custom Trump jacket to the ceremony. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
The two leaders gaze in the direction of the newly reopened Washington Monument. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI
Donald Trump and Scott Morrison shake hands in the Oval Office. Trump has called Australia a great ally. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI
The two leaders walk to the East Room for a joint press conference. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI.
Trump and Morrison answer questions from the media. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI.
Morrison speaks at the press conference. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI.
Sept. 20 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump welcomed Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to the White House Friday, for just the second official state visit of his presidency.
Morrison and his wife Jennifer were greeted at the White House by the president and first lady Melania Trump Friday morning. After posing for photos and speaking in private, the leaders spoke to reporters during a joint news conference in the afternoon.
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"The unbreakable bond between America and Australia is rooted in eternal ties of history, culture, and tradition," Trump told reporters earlier.
"Australians and Americans understand each other like few other peoples," Morrison added. "No two peoples in the world make better friends easier than ours."
At the news conference later, the pair were peppered by questions about the trade conflict with China, which has had international ramifications.
Trump said he's looking to make a deal with Beijing to end the dispute, which has resulted on both sides in a series of tariffs and failed negotiations. Now in its second year, the impasse will be the focus of new talks later this month, U.S. officials said.
"I think people know that we're doing a great job," Trump said. "China has been affected very badly. We're not being affected."
Morrison said he'd also like to see a deal, as long as it's fair.
"Deals have to be fair deals," he said, adding that he and Trump share a similar vision. "Deals have to be good deals."
Friday evening, Morrison and his wife will join Trump and first lady Melania Trump for a state dinner -- outdoors, in the Rose Garden, which will be decorated with green and gold lights to represent Australia's national colors.
Morrison is just the second world leader to be honored during the Trump presidency with a state visit. French President Emmanuel Macron was the first in April 2018.