Prime Minister Scott Morrison has landed to a ceremonial welcome in Washington ahead of a meeting with US President Donald Trump.
His Royal Australian Air Force jet, dubbed Shark One, touched down at Andrews Air Force Base with Mr Morrison emerging from the jet hand-in-hand with wife Jenny.
The national anthems of both countries were played by a military band before the couple made their way to a podium for a brief press conference.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and wife Jenny. Source: AAP
Upon arriving on the first official visit to the United States by an Australian leader in 13 years, Mr Morrison praised the values of "freedom and liberty" shared between the two nations.
"Here we are in the land of the free, the home of the brave," Mr Morrison said.
"There are many larger, I suppose more powerful, friends that America has but they know that they do not have a more sure and steadfast friend."
Australia's ambassador to the US, Joe Hockey was waiting for him on the tarmac where a red carpet had been rolled out ahead of a ceremonial welcome.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the United States has no more steadfast friends than Australia. Source: AAP
Mr Morrison said the visit would allow Australia to lay the foundation for "another 100 years" of mateship.
"There are no two anthems that you will hear anywhere in the world when played together that talk about freedom and liberty and all the things we hold dear as Australians."
SBS's chief political correspondent Brett Mason is among the reporters, who travelled with Mr Morrison on the plane to Washington.
Prime minister Scott Morrison will meet with Mr Trump on Friday ahead of a state dinner later that night.
The Morrisons will be staying Blair House while in Washington.
