Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will contend with over 100 world leaders for the opportunity to engage with US President Donald Trump at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Albanese has missed a formal meeting with Trump, as Australia was excluded from the president’s official schedule, which includes bilateral discussions with leaders from Ukraine, Argentina, Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey.
Some analysts suggest that Australia’s recent decision to formally acknowledge Palestine may have influenced Trump’s decision to overlook a meeting with Albanese. Others believe this absence could prove advantageous for the Prime Minister. According to Gordon Flake, chief executive of the Perth USAsia Centre, the lack of a formal sit-down might be “the best-case scenario.”
Flake articulated that meetings with Trump often have a transactional nature and can present risks for world leaders. He stated, “With the world on fire, I think there are other bigger priorities we have than just a one-on-one with President Trump.” He acknowledged concerns regarding the absence of a leader-to-leader summit but emphasized that Australia is in a solid position without immediate crises demanding resolution.
On September 20, 2023, Albanese will participate in a reception hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. He is also scheduled to speak at an event aimed at showcasing Australia to global investors, highlighting the Labour government’s multi-billion-dollar suite of policies under the “future made in Australia” campaign.
Albanese’s next opportunity to meet with Trump could arise at the upcoming APEC and ASEAN summits in South Korea and Malaysia, respectively. Despite the scheduling conflicts, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles expressed confidence that the Australia-US relationship remains strong. “I’ve got no doubt that at some point in the near future, there’ll be a meeting between the prime minister and the president,” Marles stated.
While Albanese is expected to receive a handshake from Trump at the gala dinner, further interaction between the leaders may not be guaranteed. The opposition has voiced criticism regarding the Prime Minister’s inability to secure a meeting with Trump, highlighting the importance of addressing pressing issues such as Trump’s tariffs and the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal.
Opposition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan remarked, “It’s not good that over 30 world leaders have had physical, face-to-face meetings with the US president and our prime minister hasn’t.” As the situation unfolds, the implications of this missed opportunity may resonate within Australian politics and beyond.
