PM Anthony Albanese attends first Quad meeting, pledges new government is aligned

Just days into the job Anthony Albanese has already met Joe Biden, with the US President having a joke with our new PM.

US President Joe Biden has told Prime Minister Anthony Albanese it’s OK if he falls asleep during the Quad meeting, heaping praise on his new fellow world leader amid a whirlwind diplomatic trip.

A little over 24 hours after being sworn in as Australia’s 31st prime minister, Mr Albanese made a public statement ahead of the Quad meeting alongside Mr Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

In his speech, Mr Albanese thanked his fellow leaders for their “sincere congratulations” on his election win and said it was an “honour” for his first act as prime minister to be attending the Quad.

“The new Australian government’s priorities align with the Quad agenda – taking action on climate change and building a stronger and more resilient Indo-Pacific region through better economic security, better cybersecurity, better energy security, and better environmental and health security,” Mr Albanese said.

“The region is for us to work with them and to lead by example. That’s why my government will take ambitious action on climate change and increase our support to partners as they work to address it.”

All smiles with US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attends the quad meetings in Tokyo with US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Mr Albanese outlined Australia’s new climate target – to reduce emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 – to reach net zero by 2050.

While the Australian government’s climate targets have changed, Mr Albanese stressed they would continue to work closely on countering China’s rise and interference.

“Our co-operation is built on the values that we share – a commitment to representative democracy, the rule of law, and the right to live in peace,” he said.

Mr Biden heaped congratulations and praise on Mr Albanese before making a joke that had the whole room laughing.

“You got sworn in, got on a plane and if you fall asleep while you’re here, it’s OK,” Mr Biden said.

“I don’t know how you’re doing it. It’s really quite extraordinary just getting off the campaign trail as well.

“Congratulations on your election.”

Mr Biden went on to discuss how Russia’s war in Ukraine had triggered a “humanitarian catastrophe” and had spread around the globe.

“Russia’s assault on Ukraine only highlights the importance of those goals, the fundamental principles of international order, territorial integrity and sovereignty, international law, human rights must always be defended, regardless of where they’re violated in the world,” Mr Biden said.

“The Quad has a lot of work ahead of us.”

Mr Albanese is expected to return to Australia on Wednesday.

Originally published as PM Anthony Albanese attends first Quad meeting, pledges new government is aligned