Albanese touches down in US ahead of Trump test
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will aim to promote US support for AUKUS and potential tariff exemptions ahead of his important meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.
The Prime Minister will arrive in Washington on Monday afternoon (AEDT) before meeting the US president at the White House the following day.
Although the two leaders briefly faced each other on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in September, the meeting will be the first time the two leaders will hold formal bilateral talks since Mr. Trump was re-elected president.
“I look forward to a positive and constructive meeting with President Trump at the White House,” Mr. Albanese said in a statement.
“Our meeting is an important opportunity to strengthen Australia-US relations.”
High on the agenda of the meeting will be the fate of the AUKUS security agreement, which provides for Australia to supply US nuclear submarines.
The US Defense Department is reviewing more than $300 billion worth of deals to see whether the tripartite deal is compatible with Mr. Trump’s “America First agenda.”
Mr Albanese is also preparing to argue for an exemption from tariffs on Australian exports to the US.
A 10 per cent basic duty applies to Australian goods, while a 50 per cent duty applies to steel and aluminum products.
Australian officials are laying the groundwork for a potential critical minerals deal with the United States that it is hoped could be used as leverage for tariff exemptions.
Resources Minister Madeleine King and Industry Minister Tim Ayres are set to join part of the prime minister’s trip to Washington, which is expected to focus on the critical minerals deal.
Education Minister Jason Clare says the prime minister’s visit will not involve pandering to the US president in a bid to secure a positive deal for Australia.
“It’s not about that. It’s about having a mature, professional relationship, working in areas where you can agree,” he told Sky News.
“There are many places where Australia and America can work together.
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