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Australia’s Morrison here for Trump’s 2nd state visit

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are welcoming Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his wife, Jenny, to the White House with a pomp-filled military arrival ceremony on the South Lawn today.

Morrison is just the second world leader to be granted the high diplomatic honor of a state visit during the Trump administration.

The leaders will meet for talks and face journalists at a joint news conference in the White House East Room. Morrison will also be treated to lunch at the State Department.

They will cap the night with an opulent state dinner beneath the stars in a Rose Garden arrayed in shades of green and gold in tribute to his Australia’s national colors.

The first lady released some key details, but is withholding the guest list and details about her gown until just before the festivities get under way.

Scores of guests will dine on a sunchoke ravioli starter, Dover sole entree and apple tart a la mode served on a mix of round and rectangular tables decked out in shades of yellows and green in tribute to Australia’s national colors, Mrs. Trump’s office said late Thursday before journalists were in to see the decor. Temporary flooring has been laid over the grass in the famous garden.

Dinner centerpieces feature more than 2,500 roses from California in shades of yellow, and Australia’s national flower, the golden wattle, while the garden will be decorated with white and yellow roses. Musical groups from the U.S. military will provide the after-dinner entertainment.

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