2 weeks Ago By Katina Curtis
Joe Biden and Anthony Albanese have welcomed the progress on AUKUS, with the latest milestone Australians conducting maintenance on a US submarine at Garden Island in WA. The President hosted the Prime Minister at his personal residence in Wilmington, Delaware on Friday afternoon (local time) ahead of the Quad meeting, for what is likely their last formal bilateral talks. The discussion included reaffirming their commitment to AUKUS and noting ongoing, bipartisan support for the alliance and the progress Australia has made towards being ready to have its own nuclear-powered submarines.
Afterwards, Mr Biden posted on social media that “my friend, Prime Minister Albanese” and he had also discussed how to strengthen the “innovation alliance” so Australia and the US can tackle shared challenges together. “When America and Australia stand as one, we forge a future of greater opportunity and security for our countries and the Indo-Pacific,” the President said. The leaders also discussed economic ties and how to work together to tackle inflation and make supply chains more resilient including for critical minerals.
Mr Albanese gave the US Commander in Chief a Royal Australian Air Force bomber jacket with the insignia of the squadron that assists with the PM’s travel. In return, Mr Biden gave him two artworks showing Delaware landmarks. More to come.
