President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese toasted their shared positions on Israel, Ukraine and China on Wednesday during the Australian prime minister’s state visit aimed at deepening the centuries-old alliance between the two countries.
“The alliance between Australia and the United States is an anchor for peace and prosperity,” the president said during a ceremony at the White House.
In the evening, Biden hosted a gala dinner for Albanese in a giant tent set up on the South Lawn, with guests from the worlds of entertainment, business and technology.
The visit underscored the importance Washington places on Australia, its former ally, as a cornerstone of its strategy against Beijing’s actions in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Much of our world’s history will be written in the Indo-Pacific in the coming years,” Biden said, using the term ally for the region. “Australia and the United States must write this history together.”
Earlier, at a joint news conference with Biden, Albanese said the connection between the two countries was critical in an “uncertain world.”
“The relationship between Australia and the United States has never been more important. And they have never been stronger than now,” she stated.
During the Oval Office talks, the leaders discussed progress on the so-called AUKUS agreement between Australia, Britain and the United States, under which Australia will receive nuclear submarines.
The trip also included announcements on technology and climate change, as well as plans to expand internet connectivity and maritime infrastructure in Pacific island nations where China is trying to expand its influence.
But both leaders also touched on the conflict between Israel and Hamas (designated a terrorist organization by the United States) and the war in Ukraine. Both countries provide military aid to kyiv and humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, while the United States supplies weapons to Israel.
Biden said both countries “stand with Israel against Hamas terrorism” and “stand with Ukraine against the tyranny of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin.”
Albanese said “all Australians condemn the atrocities, terror and ruthless brutality of Hamas.”