We go back a long way, PM says of Abbott

Malcolm Turnbull says he looks forward to catching up with Tony Abbott when the pair next meet, possibly in Sydney this weekend.

There is a chequered history between Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott. (AAP)

The chequered history between Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott doesn't just go back to the 2015 leadership spill.

In fact, rewind a few decades.

The prime minister was reminiscing about how long he has known his predecessor during an interview with 3AW's Neil Mitchell on Thursday.

"I've known Tony Abbott for, cripes ... for 40-odd years," Mr Turnbull said.

He's is looking forward to chatting with Mr Abbott when next they catch-up.

And that could be in Sydney this weekend at a special Liberal Party convention.

Without singling out Mr Abbott, Mr Turnbull said he wanted all coalition MPs to focus on the government's achievements.

"The important thing is politics is a team business and we've got a great story to tell," he said.