US President Barack Obama has seemingly sprung an invitation to Washington on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at the last minute.
The two leaders held their first formal talks on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Manila on Tuesday.
Moments before they were due to address the media about the outcome of their wide-ranging talks which canvassed terrorism and trade, Mr Obama informed Mr Turnbull he'd be inviting him over soon.
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The conversation was picked up by media camera microphones.
"One of the things I'm going to announce, is that I'm going to invite you to Washington," Mr Obama whispers to the prime minister.
"Sorry?" Mr Turnbull replies.
"I'm going to say that I'm going to invite you to Washington and I hope you accept," the president repeats.
"You're going to what?
"Oh yeah, good certainly," Mr Turnbull replies when he finally picks up the message.
Mr Obama told reporters he had earlier discussed bilateral trade matters with Mr Turnbull.
"And as part of that, I extended an invitation to the prime minister to visit Washington sometime soon.
"And he's agreed, so we're going to be able to set up a time."
Mr Obama said he understood it would be chilly during the prime minister's visit.
"That's always a little worrisome for folks Down Under, but we'll try to make it as comfortable and as productive as possible."
