US President Donald Trump has called Prime Minister Anthony Albanese a friend. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS

US President Donald Trump has hailed his friendship with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during talks at the White House despite an awkward moment involving ambassador Kevin Rudd.

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The two leaders signed an agreement on rare earth and critical minerals during what US officials billed as a bilateral lunch in the White House cabinet room.

"This is an $8.5 billion pipeline that we have ready to go," Mr Albanese said while signing the deal as Mr Trump noted it had been negotiated

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