Trump to host 'state dinner' for Australian PM Scott Morrison in Sept

US President Donald Trump has invited Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for an official visit in September that will include a state dinner, the White House said on Monday. "The visit will celebrate our two countries' close friendship and shared history, and reaffirm our common vision for global peace, security, and prosperity," the White House said in a statement.

"The President and First Lady will welcome Prime Minister and Mrs. Morrison of Australia to the White House on September 20, 2019, for an official visit, which will include a state dinner," it said. The move is seen as a part of the Trump administration's efforts to strengthen its relationship with key countries in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly the three large democracies and economies -- India, Japan and Australia.

This year, Trump has already made two trips to Japan. He also had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June at the G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka city.