Feet up for PM before hotly anticipated Trump meeting
Anthony Albanese will step out of the spotlight before heading to important trade talks with Donald Trump in Washington.
The Prime Minister has arranged for “a week off” before heading to the US capital next weekend, hoping to personally persuade President Trump to remove Australia from the controversial tariff master plan.
Both Australia and New Zealand have been trying to leverage their critical mineral reserves against the lately beholden United States in the hope of gaining more advantageous trade deals.
Trade Minister Don Farrell held lengthy talks with US trade representative Jamieson Greer over access to Australia’s vast stocks during the ASEAN summit in Malaysia.
Such minerals are in demand as they form key components of renewable technology and batteries, as well as high-tech military equipment such as fighter jets, as the world transitions to clean energy.
Mr Albanese’s mission was eagerly awaited after a series of delays in securing a meeting with Mr Trump.
But the prime minister insists his counterpart is ready to roll out the red carpet following America’s role in brokering a ceasefire in the Middle East.
“I received a very warm invitation to the White House,” he told the Nine Network on Saturday.
“I’m looking forward to this.”
Mr Albanese said he was keen to continue the “face-to-face meeting” he started with Mr Trump last month, but that this took place at a reception for world leaders rather than one-on-one talks.
“We have an important defense and security relationship, economic relationship and partnership,” he said.
“There’s a lot we can do together in the area of critical minerals and all of those issues, and I’m looking forward to that, but I’m also looking forward to getting some rest next week.”
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