Joe Biden forgets Scott Morrison’s name in historic nuclear AUKUS announcement

During this morning’s historic joint announcement with the US and UK, President Joe Biden stumbled over one of his new partners’ names.

In a historic joint announcement with the United States and the United Kingdom detailing Australia’s nuclear transition, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been called “that fellow down under” by President Biden.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday morning confirmed Australia would use American and British technology to build its next fleet, replacing the existing Collins class submarines.

Mr Morrison made it clear Australia was not seeking to establish nuclear weapons or a civil nuclear capability and will abide by non-proliferation obligations.

He also confirmed Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom have formed a new trilateral security partnership – AUKUS – with a focus on technology.

Amid the press conference, which featured leaders from all countries, Mr Biden thanked “that fellow down under” for bringing the countries together.

US President Joe Biden thanked ‘that fellow down under’ during the inaugural AUKUS announcement on Thursday. Picture: Brendan Smialowski / AFP)

“Thank you Boris, and I want to thank that fellow down under,” he said.

“Thank you very much, pal! Appreciate it, Mr Prime Minister.’’

He quickly backtracked and addressed Mr Morrison by name as he thanked him for his partnership.

The new vessels will not be armed with nuclear weapons, but will use the nuclear-powered technology used by the US and the UK.

They will be built in Adelaide.

Mr Morrison said over the next 18 months the three countries would work together to “seek to determine the best way forward”.

“This will include an intense examination of what we need to do to exercise our nuclear stewardship responsibilities here in Australia,” Mr Morrison said.

The announcement is expected to be met with retaliation by China, who are likely to see it as an attack on their regional influence.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the partnership will aim to ensure ‘long-term peace and stability’ in the Indo-Pacific.. Picture: Newswire/Gary Ramage

Mr Biden said the aim of the agreement was to ensure long term peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Because the future of each of our nations, and indeed, the world, depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Mr Biden said.

“This is about investing in our greatest source of strength. Our alliances and updating them to better meet the threats of today and tomorrow.”

Mr Morrison raced back to Canberra from Sydney on Tuesday to convene a National Security Committee of Cabinet ahead of the announcement.