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The Prime Minister overnight followed through with his pledge to recognise Palestine, telling reporters in New York it was time to realise Australia’s “long-term position on a bipartisan basis of two states”.
In doing so, he defied a warning of “punitive measures” from close allies of the US President.
But Mr Albanese appeared nonchalant about the warning from Washington as he undertook a morning show blitz on Monday, declaring Palestinian statehood “in Australia’s national interest” and “a step forward for all those who want to see peace and security in the Middle East”.
“Australia has had a bipartisan position for two states for a long period of time,” he told Nine’s Today.
“And of course, when the United Nations here founded and advanced the State of Israel being formed, they envisaged two states at that time – a State of Israel and the State of Palestine, side-by-side in peace and security, ensuring prosperity for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
Pressed on whether it would hurt his chances of an elusive face-to-face with Mr Trump, Mr Albanese said: “No, not at all.”
He said it was “not surprising that some people will have different views”.
“Some people in Australia will have different views, people in Israel have different views on the Middle East as well.” Mr Albanese said.
“What’s very clear is that now almost 80 years of conflict is 80 years too long.
“Enough is enough. We must end the cycle of violence.”
Pressed further on a meeting with Mr Trump, he refused to confirm they would get a sit down.
“We’ll wait and see,” Mr Albanese said.
“You know, it’s a busy time here.
“I’ve had good discussions with President Trump and one of the things about the United States’ position and President Trump’s position is that he consistently is an advocate for peace rather than war.”
But he did confirm he would be “seeing (Mr Trump) tomorrow night at the event that he is hosting that I’ve been invited to”.
“We will sit down at some stage and have a face-to-face meeting.”
Mr Trump was on the other side of the US attending the funeral of slain conservative political activist Charlie Kirk as world leaders arrived in New York for the UN General Assembly.