Anthony Albanese’s final pitch at G7 before critical meeting with Donald Trump

Anthony Albanese will make a last-minute pitch to American business leaders before he comes face-to-face with Donald Trump at the G7 Summit in Canada.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will extol the value of a “closer and deeper” US-Australian alliance amid growing global security and economic upheaval in a last-minute pitch to American business leaders before he comes face-to-face with Donald Trump at the G7 Summit in Canada.

There had been speculation Mr Trump may not attend the summit however the White House has confirmed the president will take part in the meeting of global leaders and is scheduled to arrive in Calgary late Sunday.

Mr Albanese touched down in the United States in the early hours Saturday morning and will later make a speech at a technology and innovation business reception in Seattle hosted by Australia’s Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has touched down in the United States after a brief stop in Fiji. Picture: PMO

Mr Albanese will highlight Australia’s value in the energy sector, critical minerals, technological capabilities and manufacturing, and its trillion dollar investments in the US which is the country’s largest foreign investment destination.

“It is important for Australia to be part of this dialogue – because we bring a lot to the table,” he will say.

“We will engage respectfully and constructively, in our national interest.

“We will continue to advocate for free and fair trade, for the jobs it creates and the investment it drives.”

There is little chance of the two leaders meeting on American soil with Mr Trump preoccupied in Washington DC with a mammoth defence parade showcasing the military might of the United States featuring thousands of soldiers and hundreds of defence vehicles and aircraft.

US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump at the White House this week. Picture: AFP

While a formal bilateral meeting has not been locked in between the two in Canada, urgency is growing for them to meet for Mr Albanese to press Australia’s case for tariff exemptions and to secure the continuation of the $370 billion AUKUS defence pact currently under review by the Pentagon.

During his visit to the US, the fifth since he became Prime Minister, Mr Albanese will visit the Seattle headquarters of Amazon to announce a major investment deal.

“This sends a signal to the world – and it’s a powerful symbol of Australia and the United States co-operating to seize and shape a new era of prosperity,” he will say.

“We will hold true to the principles of shared opportunity and collective responsibility that are vital to building a more secure, prosperous and stable region – and world.”

Originally published as Anthony Albanese’s final pitch at G7 before critical meeting with Donald Trump