Scott Morrison gifts $1600 worth of presents to foreign leaders

Scott Morrison has splashed some cash during his recent overseas trip, giving some interesting gifts to the world’s political leaders.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has handed out some interesting gifts to the world’s political leaders during his recent trip to the US.

Following the Quad leaders meeting about concerns over China, the Mr Morrison gave US President Joe Biden some very Australian-inspired and high-priced gifts.

Mr Biden received a Blackwood framed photograph of the Opera House, lit up with the Australian and American flag to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the ANZUS alliance.

The photograph is estimated to be worth $563.

The second gift from Mr Morrison for the US President was a didgeridoo crafted from termite-hollowed scarlet gum, valued at $425.

Joe Biden’s $563 gift celebrating the ANZUS treaty.

The second gift to Joe Biden, valued at $425.

Last time Mr Morrison visited the US in 2019, he gave then-President Donald Trump a less extravagant set of gifts.

Mr Trump received a single framed photograph of himself and First Lady Melania Trump, valued at $US470 ($A645).

But Mr Morrison was not afraid to splash some cash this time around, pulling out presents for the leaders of India and Japan as well.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a brown Akubra hat worth $215.

Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide was given a Tamar blackwood watch and cufflink box with a decorative Tasmanian blackwood lid, valued at $425.

Mr Morrison’s gifts for the three leaders clocked in at a total of $1628.

The $215 Akubra hat gifted to the Indian Prime Minister.

The Japanese Prime Minister received a watch and cufflink box valued at $425.

Mr Morrison, Mr Biden, Mr Modi and Mr Yoshihide met at the White House on Friday where they pledged a free and open Indo-Pacific region and discussed ongoing concerns about China.

“We stand for the rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, democratic values and territorial integrity of states,” a joint statement from the leaders said.

“Together, we recommit to promoting the free, open, rules-based order, rooted in international law and undaunted by coercion, to bolster security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.“

Mr Morrison, Mr Biden, Mr Modi and Mr Yoshihide met at the White House on Friday to discuss ongoing concerns about China. Picture: Adam Taylor via PMO.

Mr Morrison has since left the US and arrived back in Australia on Saturday. He will be in quarantine for the next two weeks.

Before boarding his return flight to Australia, Mr Morrison declared the four Quad leaders were “like-minded democracies”.

“Australia has a great reputation, particularly with our friends, and we have that reputation built on standing up for who we are and our values,” he said.

“We’ll always do that and with countries that share a view on the world, whether it be Japan or India and of course the United States – the Quad countries.”

Originally published as Scott Morrison gifts $1600 worth of presents to foreign leaders