Up next
Author
Share and Follow
FacebookXRedditPinterestWhatsApp
A potential verbal spray from Donald Trump towards Anthony Albanese during talks at the White House would not mean the alliance between the US and Australia is damaged, a federal minister says.
The prime minister is set to depart for Washington on Sunday for his long-awaited in-person meeting with the US president on Tuesday (AEDT).

The upcoming bilateral discussions are expected to spotlight the AUKUS defense pact and tariff concerns. However, the prime minister is keen to sidestep the kind of criticism that has plagued other world leaders during their meetings in the Oval Office.

Education Minister Jason Clare dismissed suggestions a testy meeting with Trump would be a setback to the relationship with the US.
“I doubt that’s a problem. I think most Australians understand the importance of the relationship between America and Australia,” he told Sky News on Sunday.
“We’ve got different views on different things, Medicare, gun laws are good examples of that, but we’ve got more in common than we have that separates us or divides us.

“The focus will be on shared values and mutual interests shaping the dialogue between President Trump and Prime Minister Albanese,” a source explained.

Albanese would face challenges in dealing with Trump on his home turf, Australian National University political academic John Hart said, alluding to other world leaders who’d faced tense exchanges with the president.

“Given Trump’s unpredictable nature, the prime minister views this as a potential challenge,” he added in comments to the Australian Associated Press.

A statement from Albanese framed the trip as an opportunity for the two nations to deepen ties, including on trade on investment.
The prime minister will be joined by Resources Minister Madeleine King and Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres for parts of the trip.
Clare said any possible critical minerals deal would not mean the relationship with other countries, such as China, would be strained.
“We’re in favour of free and fair trade. China is our biggest trading partner. The US is our greatest and most important ally,” he said.

“A crucial aspect of our duty as a mature government is to engage constructively with both countries, prioritizing Australia’s interests,” he concluded.

But Hart says the US is unlikely to make an exception for Australia and keep the tariff for everyone else.
“If he did, it would put Australia offside with a lot of other trading partners affected by this because if the tariff was reduced, Australia would be able to sell more steel and aluminium than competitors”, he said.

“Australia has got to live with the steel and aluminium tariffs.”

The prime minister said he was looking forward to a “positive and constructive” meeting with Trump.
“Australia and the United States have stood shoulder-to-shoulder in every major conflict for over a century,” Albanese said.
“Our meeting is an important opportunity to consolidate and strengthen the Australia-United States relationship.”
Liberal frontbencher Jonathon Duniam said the coalition hoped the meeting with Trump would be a success, but the time taken to secure an in-person bilateral was concerning.
“We are nearly a year on since Donald Trump was elected to the office of President of the United States, and we’re only just now getting this meeting. It’s great it’s happening, albeit too late,” he told Sky News.
“Some strong agreements that deliver for our community and our economy and national security, I think are must-haves out of this meeting.”
Share and Follow
FacebookXRedditPinterestWhatsApp
You May Also Like

Massive ‘No Kings’ Protests Against Trump Sweep Across the US – Stunning Photos Capture the Movement

Protesters spanning all age groups have taken to the streets en masse…
Young mother is breastfeeding her newborn baby.

Australian Researchers Unveil Groundbreaking Connection Between Breastfeeding and Cancer Prevention

Australian scientists have made a breakthrough discovery in why breastfeeding and pregnancy…
OpenAI launched its latest video generator app Sora on September 30, described as being "more physically accurate, realistic, and more controllable" than ever before.

The Surge of AI Videos: Understanding Their Dominance in Your Social Media Feeds

In recent weeks, global social media platforms have experienced a noticeable influx…
Coles Woolworths

New Legislation Aims to Curtail Supermarket Price Gouging: What Shoppers Need to Know

The Federal Government is set to unveil new legislation today aimed at…

High-Spending Candidates Fall Short in Federal Election: Who Spent Big and Lost

The Climate 200 political action group spent almost $11 million to fund…

Historic Trump-Albanese Summit: Landmark Minerals Agreement, AUKUS Support, and Unforgettable Rudd Encounter

There was an awkward moment in the room after a journalist asked…
Tatiana "Tanya" Dokhotaru, 34, was pronounced dead by paramedics attending her apartment in southwest Sydney on a Saturday in May 2023.

Child Testifies Hearing Woman’s Cries for Help Prior to Discovering Her Deceased, Court Hears

A young child described to the police how they heard cries while…
Records tumble across Australia after scorching Monday

Australia Sizzles: Unprecedented Heat Shatters Temperature Records Nationwide

Spring has arrived with a fiery intensity, as October temperature records are…