NEW YORK: US President Donald Trump’s gift in the shape of an emblazoned tie via the Coptic Christian church has left Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull bemused.
The pink tie given to Turnbull was emblazoned with the phrases, “Donald Trump”, a BBC report said on Sunday.
The official Trump-branded merchandise was offered to Turnbull by a Coptic Orthodox church in Sydney.
His relationship with Trump grew to a speaking level after the US president was reported to have abruptly ended a telephone call between the two in January. Turnbull later disputed this and the two leaders are stated to have repaired ties.
The Australian prime minister appeared to see the humorous facet after he was handed the silk necktie by Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Coptic Orthodox Bishop Daniel on Sunday.
Turnbull’s reportedly difficult first phone call with Mr Trump was the results of a dialogue between the two leaders over a refugee resettlement plan, which was initially made by former president Barack Obama.
Trump was stated to have been irritated and broke off what was alleged to be an hour-long call after 25 minutes, later tweeting that the refugee deal was “dumb”.
Earlier this month diplomats were pressured to brush off footage leaked to media wherein Turnbull was accused of ridiculing Trump with an impersonation that he stated had obtained “combined opinions”.
“Everyone says politicians are too severe, too scripted. You gotta loosen up proper? It’s Australia,” Turnbull said.
Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2017
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