Meeting Joe Biden and Xi Jinping is a significant achievement for the new Labor government and the highlight of an extraordinary week of diplomacy for the PM.
When it comes to global summits, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has adapted seamlessly to the role of chief villain.
At the G20 in Rome this time last year, Lavrov, with the backing of China and India, ran interference to prevent the summit from reaching a consensus on achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Phillip CooreyPolitical editorPhillip Coorey is the political editor based in Canberra. He is a two-time winner of the Paul Lyneham award for press gallery excellence. Connect with Phillip on Facebook and Twitter. Email Phillip at pcoorey@afr.com
