Biden “delighted” with Prime Minister's gift at meeting of heads of state and government at President's House

A day before the Quad leaders' summit, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with US President Joe Biden at his home in Wilmington, Pennsylvania.

“It was wonderful to first be invited to his house for a one-on-one conversation and to take a little tour of his home,” said Albanese.

The two then opened their meeting to the Australian delegation and some of Biden's key advisers, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy.

The two heads of state had a comprehensive discussion which, according to Albanese, was “warm and stimulating”.

They then exchanged official gifts and the Prime Minister said President Biden was “delighted” to receive his gift.

“We gave the president an Air Force leather jacket with his name and all the trimmings, and he was delighted to accept the gift,” Albanese said.

“Today I met with my friend, Prime Minister Albanese, to strengthen our innovation alliance so we can tackle common challenges together,” President Biden said in a later statement to X.

“When America and Australia are united, we forge a future of greater opportunity and security for our countries and the Indo-Pacific.”

At the top of the head of state’s agenda were the AUKUS alliance and the future submarine program.

When asked how secure the alliance between the two countries was, the Prime Minister replied that it was rock solid.

“There is no doubt in my mind that AUKUS will continue to enjoy the support of future US administrations,” Albanese said.

They also discussed US investment in Australia with a particular focus on critical minerals.

“We have discussed critical minerals and the Australia-US Transformation Pact on Climate, Critical Minerals and Clean Energy in detail and hope to conclude that,” he said.

Albanese said he hoped to finalize the details of this trade agreement by the end of the year.

Albanese said they discussed international issues, including the war in Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East between Israel and Lebanon.

The Prime Minister reiterated his stance and called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of Hamas hostages.

He also used the opportunity to call on Australian citizens in Lebanon to return to Australia.

Regarding his talks with Biden, Albanese said the president, who withdrew his candidacy for re-election in this year's election, remains in top form.

“He's fit, he's up to the task, it's a great privilege to spend time with him,” Albanese said.

US First Lady Jill Biden delivered a personal message to Jodie Haydon, the Prime Minister's fiancée, but Albanese remained tight-lipped about the details.

“We talked about some personal things, we did, and it will continue to be personal.”

The heads of state and government of Australia, India, Japan and the USA will meet tomorrow for a security summit.