Barack Obama praises Australia’s fight against IS as he meets Malcolm Turnbull at White House

BARACK Obama called for strengthening of our military co-operation in Iraq, as he and Malcolm Turnbull discussed a new phase in the war on IS.

Turnbull Oval Office

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US President Barack Obama yesterday called for a strengthening of Australia’s military co-operation in Iraq, as he and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull discussed a new phase in the war against Islamic State.

The two leaders were locked away for a two-hour meeting at the White House, which sources inside the Oval Office said was “80 per cent” focused on terrorism.

PM Malcolm Turnbull meets President Barack Obama in the Oval Office. Photo: Nathan Edwards

While not asking directly for a greater contribution, Mr Obama said he wanted to strengthen the US partnership with Australia’s military and also elevate the cyber war to counter violent extremism.

Mr Turnbull, who was ­recently forced to fend off criticism he had rejected a US request for more Australian troops, left the door open for a greater involvement.

He said while no specific request for troops had been made, any such future ­request would be considered.

Mr Obama had earlier praised Australia’s commitment and the contribution to the military operations, including training Iraqi forces.

Turnbull’s trip to the U.S.

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90 minute talks ... The Prime Minister with President Obama. Photo: Nathan Edwards

Bilateral discussion ... The leaders inside the Oval Office today. Photo: Nathan Edwards

Shadowed ... Mr Turnbull with security agents in Washington DC. Photo: Nathan Edwards

“Keep in mind that in our fight against ISIL, Australia is the second-largest contributor on the ground after the US,” Mr Obama said.

“They have been a consistent and extraordinarily effective member of the coalition that has helped to deliver an opportunity to the Afghan ­people to govern themselves, to build up their security forces.

“We’ll talk about how we can strengthen our co-operation both in Syria and Iraq, the state of affairs in Afghanistan but also countering violent extremism globally and Australia will be a very ­important partner in that ­process.”

Mr Turnbull at US Chamber of Commerce.

PM and President. Photos: Nathan Edwards

Mr Turnbull raised the issue of combating IS through cyber space, saying: “Archaic and barbaric though they may be, their use — regrettably — of the internet is very sophisticated, so I’m pleased that we’re going to be working on even closer ­co-operation there.”

Australia and the US will form an annual cyber security dialogue which will include business leaders, intelligence officials and other government agencies.

The two leaders were also set to discuss free trade and the Trans Pacific Partnership and both called for the US Congress to ratify the ­agreement.

Mr Turnbull marked his first prime ministerial visit to the US by presenting Mr Obama will a pool cue handcrafted from both Australian and American timber.

Apparently Mr Obama loves to play pool in any spare time he has.