Donald Trump meets Anthony Albanese face-to-face for first time in New York
Anthony Albanese has finally spoken to President Donald Trump in person during a formal reception at a New York hotel on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
The face-to-face chat occurred inside the Lotte New York Palace hotel, where President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were hosting more than 100 world leaders.
The Nightly has been told the first encounter between the Prime Minister and President was brief but a “good conversation” about their upcoming formal bilateral meeting at the White House next month.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Earlier in the day, the White House confirmed both leaders would hold a meeting in the Oval Office on October 20, after Mr Albanese had failed to secure a formal sit-down on this trip to the United States.
More to come on Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump meeting in the US....
The breakthrough in clinching the Oval Office meeting was first reported by the ABC, which cited White House Officials. It constitutes a significant shift from Mr Albanese, who had earlier opted to wait for summit season to try and nab a sit-down with Mr Trump.
But this approach backfired at the G7 in June, when Mr Trump pulled up stumps a day early, cancelling commitments made with an array of leaders, including Mr Albanese.
The Trump Administration also indicated that it preferred a traditional visit to the White House, which Mr Trump has been busily redecorating since moving back into the Oval Office.
Australia’s Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd said the Government was “delighted” to have the White House confirm the visit.
The October visit to the White House will constitute Mr Albanese third trip to the United States in four months, amid criticisms from the opposition that despite the frenetic pace of his overseas travel, Australia has little to show for it.
Mr Albanese had been hoping to meet Mr Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week.
But the White House said the President’s very busy schedule for the week did not include the Australian leader. This meant his contact was reduced to the hopes of exchanging a handshake at a drinks reception the President is hosting in New York on Tuesday for more than 100 leaders before returning to the White House.
