AFP :
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will receive a lavish welcome from US President Joe Biden at the White House this week, with talks about China and Ukraine on the menu.
The pomp-filled state visit comes as Washington looks to reinforce its ties with longtime ally Australia as part of a broader strategy to counter Beijing in the Asia-Pacific region.
Albanese, who will be honored with a gala state dinner, is meanwhile seeking to keep Biden focused on Australia’s neighborhood while the Israel-Hamas and Ukraine conflicts rage on the other side of the world.
“It will be an important visit,” Albanese said Sunday before leaving.
“The alliance between Australia and the United States is central to Australia’s foreign policy.”
Albanese arrives at the White House on Tuesday before the official state visit takes place on Wednesday, featuring talks with Biden in the Oval Office and a joint press conference in the iconic Rose Garden.