US President Joe Biden praised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as a ‘brave man’ after hearing Albanese describe his past interactions with the National Rifle Association and Planned Parenthood during a visit to the United States.
The two leaders met for discussions on Tuesday, following a summit with Quad leaders in Tokyo, which also included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
In a relaxed setting, Biden and Albanese talked about their nations’ shared commitment to the ANZUS alliance, reinforcing the importance of their bilateral relationship.
Prime Minister Albanese also reminisced about his visit to the United States in his 20s, during which he took the opportunity to deeply engage with American government policies and cultural practices.
As Albanese concluded his story, President Biden humorously stood up and pretended to walk away, lightening the mood of the discussion.
‘You’re a brave man,’ Mr Biden said before shaking hands with the PM.
Scroll down for the video
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with US President Joe Biden during Tuesday’s Quad Summit in Japan
‘I had a program and I wanted to see the interaction of groups with the US government,’ Mr Albanese said.
‘From the National Rifle Association to the Sierra Club to Planned Parenthood, the full kit and caboodle across the spectrum.’
Mr Albanese went on to explain more about his trip and the places he visited.
‘It was an opportunity to see the full diversity of the way the country operates,’ he said.
‘It was a chance to really immerse myself. I had security briefings in Hawaii on the way back.
During their exchange Mr Albanese said he had visited the US to ‘immerse’ himself in the government interactions and Mr Biden called the PM a ‘brave man’
Mr Albanese said his government is committed to the alliance between the US and Australia to which Mr Biden said the PM was ‘a great guy’
‘The US State Department was good enough to manage to justify a trip to Vegas as well.’
He then said he was committed to the alliance between the US and Australia and had previously formed relationships with US politicians.
‘It was a good trip. My government is very committed to the alliance,’ he said.
‘I was a part of the government that brought the US Marines to Darwin under Julia Gillard. It was very important to really strengthen our relationship.
‘I last met with your Vice President. I’ve known some of your colleagues for some time.’
In an earlier press conference on Tuesday, Mr Biden indicated a possible change in policy by confirming questions he would militarily defend Taiwan from invasion
The light-hearted ‘alliance’ discussion followed Mr Biden’s indication of a possible change in US policy regarding China’s relationship with Taiwan.
During a joint press conference on Tuesday with Japanese President Fumio Kishida, Mr Biden was asked: ‘You didn’t want to get involved in the Ukraine conflict militarily for obvious reasons. Are you willing to get involved militarily to defend Taiwan if it comes to that?’
Mr Biden said; ‘Yes, that’s the commitment we made.’
Mr Albanese also touched on China’s growing presence in the Pacific region while discussing his government’s change in climate policy.
Mr Albanese also discussed China’s growing presence in the Pacific region and called climate change a ‘national security issue’
‘We know that China is seeking to exert more influence in the Pacific and we know that climate change is such an important issue,’ he said.
‘I share the view that this is a national security issue. Climate change is not just about environment.
‘It is about the shape of our economy, but also our national security going forward.
‘Our position is very clear. We want peace and stability in the region.
‘That is best achieved through proper diplomatic processes by making sure we build relations in the region and act in a positive way.’