Washington DC: Malcolm Turnbull has told the governors of more than 40 US states that America's leadership in the world is in the interest of both nations.
The prime minister gave the keynote address at the National Governors Association gathering in Washington DC on Saturday, a day after meeting US President Donald Trump at the White House.
Mr Turnbull talked up the need for infrastructure investment in the South Pacific, the importance of America's role in securing the region, and the benefits Australia expects from the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership that Mr Trump pulled the US out of last year.
"We do not expect the US to return to the TPP anytime soon," Mr Turnbull said.
But, he added, the TPP was designed to accept new members.
Mr Turnbull was warmly welcomed by the governors with the NGA's chairman, Nevada governor Brian Sandoval, declaring American states were ready to align with Australia.
"Governors are ready to elevate this important partnership," Mr Sandoval said.
Mr Turnbull was accompanied to the meeting by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, West Australian Premier Mark McGowan, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner.
Mr Sandoval joked about the large contingent of Australian leaders in Washington DC.
"We were having breakfast this morning and wondered who is running the government in Australia," Mr Sandoval said.
AAP
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