Time for a selfie. Anthony Albanese meets Donald Trump at the UN. Photo: Anthony Albanese/Instagram.
Anthony Albanese finally got to meet Donald Trump in person while in New York for the United Nations gathering, but there was only time for a quick hello, some brief small talk, a handshake, and a selfie.
The Prime Minister will have to return to the United States next month for a more formal bilateral discussion with the US President on 20 October.
Nevertheless, Mr Albanese couldn’t hide his delight in meeting the President, blasting the news on social media.
“Good to chat with President Donald Trump at USA welcome reception for world leaders attending United Nations General Assembly hosted by @potus and @flotus 🇦🇺🇺🇸,” he posted on Instagram with a photo of the pair beaming at the camera.
Mr Trump even looked chuffed to be in the presence of Australia’s PM.
The President was hosting a reception for world leaders on Wednesday (23 September) who were in New York for the UN General Assembly.
This was despite Mr Trump using the UN forum to blast nations, including Australia, that had formally recognised Palestine and who were committing to stronger climate change action.
In a rambling speech earlier in the day, Mr Trump called climate change a con job, railed against the UN as an institution and called for countries to close their borders to migrants.
“It’s time to end the failed experiment of open borders,” he said.
“You have to end it now … Your countries are going to hell … If you don’t stop people that you’ve never seen before, that you have nothing in common with, your country is going to fail.”
Mr Albanese has now delivered his first-ever speech to the UN General Assembly – 8 pm Wednesday in New York (Thursday morning Australian time) – to a half-full chamber.
He stated that the United Nations, as an international body, should recognise and value the strengths and attributes of all countries.
And he made a bid for Australia to gain a temporary seat on the UN Security Council in 2029-30.
“We all have a role to play in making sure that the system, which has enabled the rise of new powers, safeguards the rights and aspirations of every nation, big and small,” the Prime Minister said.
“For Australia, this means investing in our capabilities and investing in our relationships. Investing in development, in defence and in diplomacy.
“To strengthen the security of our region, to support the sovereignty of our neighbours and to contribute to the cause of peace beyond the Indo-Pacific … The United Nations is much more than an arena for the great powers to veto each other’s ambitions.
“This is a platform for middle powers and small nations to voice – and achieve – our aspirations.”
Mr Albanese also recommitted Australia to its net-zero by 2050 carbon emissions target and stated that the nation will meet its 2030 target of a 43 per cent reduction in emissions from 2005 levels.
He then reiterated last week’s target for 2035, which is cutting emissions by 62 to 70 per cent.
The PM called for stronger and more urgent action to bring about a ceasefire and the return of hostages in the Middle East.
He rounded out his address by calling for greater international cooperation.
“More than ever, we must trust in each other’s humanity,” Mr Albanese said.
“More than ever, we must choose to succeed together rather than risk failing alone.
“More than ever, we must work to see the promises of this place deliver real progress for the people we serve.
“More than ever, we must work to build a future true to the United Nations’ noble purpose and worthy of our people’s greatest qualities.
“We all have a part to play, and Australia, just as we always have, will always play our part.”
