Anthony Albanese has used a visit to the White House to praise Joe Biden’s steadfast support of Israel while also highlighting the need to protect civilians in Gaza.
Key points:
- Anthony Albanese and Joe Biden have held talks in the Oval Office
- Global security was a central theme amid fears the Middle East conflict will escalate
- Both leaders pushed the need to progress the AUKUS pact, which has faced hurdles
The prime minister’s long-awaited state visit to Washington — organised after the US president cancelled a trip to Australia in May — has been overshadowed by the Middle East conflict and, in the US, distracting disarray in congress.
But a full program of meetings and dinners has gone ahead regardless, with the two leaders holding talks in the White House while, at the same time on Capitol Hill, house Republicans elected a new speaker to end several weeks of congressional paralysis.
Ahead of the Oval Office meeting, Mr Albanese praised Mr Biden’s involvement in the Israel-Gaza war in a speech to several thousand people on the South Lawn outside.
“All Australians condemn the atrocities, terror and pitiless brutality of Hamas,” he said.
“And Mr president, we applaud the personal resolve you have brought to this troubled part of the world.
“You have spoken with moral clarity and you have stood up for a simple principle — the principle that every innocent life matters, Israeli and Palestinian, and that in every conflict, every effort must be made to protect civilians.”
According to US media reports, Israel has agreed to a US request to delay a ground invasion of Gaza so American missile defences can be rushed to the region.
The Wall Street Journal, citing Israeli and American sources, said the US military believed its forces would be targeted by military groups once the invasion started.
In Washington, an estimated 4,000 people — many waving Australian flags — gathered for the State Arrival Ceremony to welcome Mr Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon, where a military band performed and a ceremonial cannon was fired.
Citing the AUKUS agreement — which has recently come under question by some Republicans — Mr Biden said the US had never been more committed to the alliance.
“Together, we’re standing with Israel against Hamas terrorism,” he said.
“We’re standing with Ukraine against Putin’s tyranny.
“And we’re providing and proving that democracy can deliver on the challenges that matter most to people’s lives.”
After the meeting — and the simultaneous vote to elect Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson to the position of house speaker — Mr Biden urged congress to pass legislation necessary to cement the AUKUS agreement between the two countries and the UK.
“It is overwhelmingly in our interests,” the president said.
The pact — under which Australia will acquire American nuclear-powered submarines — has been questioned by some Republicans who fear local shipbuilding is failing to meet American needs.
Mr Albanese said he was not concerned.
“I’m very confident in the discussions that I’ve had with Democrats and Republicans that there is very broad support for the AUKUS arrangements and there will be support for the legislation going forward,” he said.
Mr Biden and Mr Albanese also announced plans for infrastructure development in the Pacific — a strategic priority to counter Chinese influence in the region.
It includes joint funding to build subsea cables to improve internet connectivity in the Pacific Islands.
The prime minister and his partner had a private dinner with the president and first lady at the White House on Tuesday night (local time).
Later, Mr Albanese will be the guest of honour at a state dinner. But some festivities — such as a performance by 1980s pop band The B-52s — have been dropped in recognition of the dire situation in the Middle East.
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