Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has touched down in Washington DC for a series of meetings.

The Prime Minister touched down in Washington DC, where he will hold meetings with US President Joe Biden and other political leaders.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived in the United States for an official visit at the invitation of US President Joe Biden which he says comes “at a turbulent time for the world.”

Mr Albanese touched down in Washington DC late on Sunday night local time and was met by Australia’s ambassador to the US, former PM Kevin Rudd.

It will be the ninth in-person meeting between Mr Albanese and Mr Biden since last year’s Australian election, and follows the President’s last minute withdrawal from a Quad meeting in Sydney earlier this year.

“The relationship between Australia and the United States is so important,” Mr Albanese told reporters on arrival.

PM Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie arrive in Washington DC today. Sky News

“In today’s turbulent world, it is a relationship that provides security, stability, based upon our common values and our position as great democratic nations working together to promote those values throughout the Indo-Pacific and throughout the world.”

Earlier on Monday, Mr Rudd said Mr Albanese’s presence would encourage “real progress” in lobbying Congress to pass AUKUS legislation and drive forward discussions around China.

Mr Albanese said Australia’s US relationship was “our most important”.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrives in Washington with his partner Jodie Haydon. Picture: Twitter

Mr Albanese will meet US legislators during his four-day stint to strike new deals on critical minerals and hash out details on the rising conflict in the Middle East.

There is expected to be some discussion around the defence relationship, making sure that the AUKUS arrangements are put in place.

The PM will meet President Biden in the Oval Office and be guest of honour at a state dinner later in the week.

But he said the compact about climate change and clean energy, and critical minerals that he and President Biden signed in Hiroshima earlier this year “will be a focus of the visit”.

“The good thing about Australia and the United States is that the strength of the relationship means it provides that stability, that security and that comfort with each other that comes from our common values,” he said.

Before flying out of Australia, Mr Albanese confirmed he would visit China on November 4.

The PM said his historic visit follows months of “productive discussions” around trade tensions between China and Australia and said the trip was an important step towards “ensuring a stable and productive relationship”.

“I look forward to further engaging with President Xi and Premier Li in Australia’s national interest,” the PM said.