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PM not worried about Trump relationship

Malcolm Turnbull says the relationship between Australia and the United States is in "excellent shape", despite recent revelations about Alexander Downer.

Alexander Downer.
Alexander Downer. Source: AAP

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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says he isn't worried a recent report involving Alexander Downer may damage his relationship with US President Donald Trump.

The New York Times has reported that Mr Downer, the Australian High Commissioner to the UK, could have helped spark an FBI investigation into Russia's role in the US election.

Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos told the Australian diplomat during a meeting in London in May 2016 that Russia had thousands of emails that would embarrass Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

Australia passed the information on to the FBI after the Democratic party emails were leaked, according to The Times, which cited four current and former US and foreign officials with direct knowledge of the Australians' role.

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Mr Turnbull said he wasn't concerned about the story affecting his relationship with Mr Trump, and he hadn't spoken to anyone in the US administration since it came out.

"The government won't be making additional comments on a matter that relates to an ongoing investigation in the US," he told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

He also wasn't concerned that the US still hasn't appointed an ambassador to Australia, saying there were often delays with a new administration.

"The relationship is in excellent shape and the connections between Australia and the United States are so diverse, numerous, so strong, and indeed our relationship through the State Department is excellent as well," he said.


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