Australian PM Albanese meets US President Trump on security, trade, minerals

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese traveled to Washington for his first in-person meeting with US President Donald Trump, focusing on key issues such as the AUKUS security pact, trade tariffs, and Australia's mineral reserves. Albanese was accompanied by Australia's ambassador to the US, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, whose contentious relationship with Trump added a layer of complexity to the visit. The meeting comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions between the US and China, with Albanese aiming to avoid the public confrontations that have characterized some of Trump's past diplomatic encounters. This visit is seen as a critical test of Albanese's diplomatic skills and a chance to reinforce the longstanding alliance between Australia and the US. The meeting also coincides with important economic events in Australia, including a speech by Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock addressing recent economic indicators. Overall, the visit underscores the importance of maintaining strong US-Australia ties amid shifting global power dynamics.