By 0 Comments

Copyright news

Before departing for New York, the Prime Minister seemed confident he would finally get his elusive face-to-face with the US President.

Mr Trump himself appeared to confirm the two would meet while berating an Australian journalist last week.

But Mr Albanese hinted on Monday (AEST) that a bilateral might not go ahead, saying, “we’ll wait and see.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt overnight confirmed to Australian media that Mr Albanese was not among those getting a slot with Mr Trump.

However, the two will likely informally meet at a dinner Mr Trump is hosting.

It was not clear why a formal sit-down was not going ahead, but Mr Trump delayed his arrival in New York for the UNGA to attend the funeral of slain conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.

He also had engagements in Washington.

This is the second time Mr Albanese’s hopes of a one-on-one with Mr Trump have been dashed.

It came after he joined several other Western leaders in recognising Palestinian statehood despite warnings of “punitive measures” from close allies of Mr Trump.

Asked about Palestinian recognition, Ms Leavitt said “the President has been very clear he disagrees with this decision”.

“He feels this does not do anything to release the hostages, which is the primary goal right now in Gaza,” she said.

“It does nothing to end this conflict and bring this war to a close.

“And frankly he believes it is a reward to Hamas.”

She went on to say Mr Trump “believes these decisions is just more talk and not enough action from some of our friends and allies” and that “I think you’ll hear him talk about that tomorrow at the UN”.

More to come.