Experts say a meeting with Trump would allow Albanese to “thicken up the relationship” with Washington, which has been described as “quite thin” since Trump took office. (AAP via AP/ Pool via AP)
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to depart for the United States this week, with a potential first meeting with US President Donald Trump, reported Reuters. This would raise expectations over the future of the AUKUS defence partnership and regional security.
Albanese will attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York and is scheduled to join a reception hosted by Trump on Tuesday, although a bilateral meeting has not been officially confirmed, as per Reuters.
Experts say a meeting with Trump would allow Albanese to “thicken up the relationship” with Washington, which has been described as “quite thin” since Trump took office, particularly with no US ambassador in Australia.
Former Australian ambassador to Washington Arthur Sinodinos mentioned the importance of securing in-principle support from Trump on the nuclear-powered submarine deal under AUKUS, especially after King Charles called it a “vital collaboration” between the UK, US, and Australia.
Australia will also push for adherence to its free trade agreement with the US, while recent A$12 billion ($8 billion) investment in a Western Australia shipyard has been made. Analysts note, as per Reuters, that the Pacific Islands remain a strategic interest for both nations, particularly after recent security treaty setbacks in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea that could allow China to expand influence.
At the UN, Albanese plans to support Palestinian statehood and speak on Australia’s law banning social media for children under 16, positions that contrast with Trump’s criticisms of foreign tech regulations.
Areas of agreement include countering China’s dominance in critical minerals, with more than 20 Australian companies recently meeting Trump administration officials to discuss collaboration, as per reports by Reuters.
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Experts say a meeting with Trump would allow Albanese to “thicken up the relationship” with Washington, which has been described as “quite thin” since Trump took office. (AAP via AP/ Pool via AP) 
