President Donald Trump met with the prime minister of Australia. They signed an agreement on Australia's rare-earth minerals and discussed trade and the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal.

US President Donald Trump signed a deal on rare earth minerals Monday with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and said Washington's key ally would get its coveted nuclear-powered attack submarines.

President Donald Trump on Monday voiced support for the AUKUS security pact that would sell Virginia-class submarines to Canberra. During a White House meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese,

Australia targeted a bigger U.S. commitment to Australia's critical minerals sector as China tightens control over global supply.

From the White House on Monday, US President Donald Trump waxed lyrical about his country's friendship with Australia. "We've been long-term, longtime allies and I would say there's never been anybody better," Trump told Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, at the pair's first official meeting.

Some Trump officials had questioned whether the U.S. could afford the deal when Washington is trying to bulk up its own fleet.

President Trump was scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia at the White House on Monday. Mr. Albanese is widely expected to position his country as a reliable supplier of rare earth metals and a valuable ally in countering China’s influence as he seeks leverage on trade talks.