Obama heaps praise on 'good friend' Cameron

Obama and Cameron's 'special relationship' remained clearly on display during their joint conference in the White House this evening, as the leaders took turns to gush about their mutual respect.

Obama said Cameron was a "great friend" and an "outstanding partner", and joked about the "tizzy" commentators got into when it emerged he had called the Conservative party leader and Eton alumni "bro".

Cameron returned the compliments, and started his address by thanking the US president for his warm reception and for being such a "good friend to the United Kingdom" and to him personally. In comments that drew laughter from the assembled reporters, he said:

Asked about the state of the economic recovery and whether he thought Britain was on the "right path", Obama said:

Whilst Cameron could be heard signalling his agreement in the background. Shortly afterwards Cameron took to Twitter to express his pleasure on their joint co-operation.