Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had a warm encounter with US President Donald Trump. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS

A long-awaited meeting between Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump has been hailed a great success, as the leaders locked in a multi-billion dollar critical minerals deal and shored up support for the AUKUS pact.

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Mr Trump played up his friendship with the prime minister during the meeting at the White House on Tuesday (AEDT), saying the US believed there had "never been anyone better" than Australia.

During the cabinet room meeting the leaders signed a historic agreement

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