Australia PM Albanese says relationship with Trump off to 'very good' start

17/11/2024 12:11

        Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his relationship with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has had a "very good beginning", elaborating on a phone call between the pair after the Republican's U.S. election win.
        
        Albanese this week said he told Trump on the call that the United States has a trade surplus with Australia and it was in Washington's interest to "trade fairly" with its ally.
        
        Under the first Trump presidency, Australia won an exemption from U.S. tariffs for its aluminium and steel exports.
        
        In remarks broadcast on Sky News on Sunday, Albanese described the call as a "very good beginning to our relationship".
        
        Albanese's call with Trump also covered security ties including the AUKUS deal, which will see Australia buy U.S. nuclear submarines next decade and develop a new class of nuclear powered submarines with the U.S. and Britain.