Foreign Minister Penny Wong ‘positive' about US-Australia ties despite President Trump's 'different' view of the world

Sky News AU

2 days ago

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has expressed confidence in the strength of Australia's alliance with the United States, despite 'differences' with the Trump administration.
The relationship between Canberra and Washington has shown signs of strain in recent months, including a review of AUKUS and the cancelled leaders' meeting.
However, during her visit to Washington DC, Ms Wong reiterated that the US was 'Australia's closest ally and most important strategic partner'.
Ms Wong stressed that despite political shifts in the US, Australia remains confident in the bilateral relationship.
'President Trump has made very clear to the world that he envisages a different role for America in the world,' she told reporters on Tuesday.
'We understand that and we respect that. We continue to advocate for our interests. What I would say is our strategic partnership is deep, it is trusting.
'It is to the benefit of both nations, and I think that is understood here in Washington... Our strategic partnership is deep, it is trusting.'
Ms Wong said that her discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio had reinforced the shared interests of the two nations.
It comes as domestic concerns focus on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his inability to secure a face-to-face meeting with President Trump.
Mr Albanese told Sky News on Tuesday that he would 'have a meeting when it's scheduled', and suggested there would be plenty of opportunities in coming months.
The previously scheduled meeting between Mr Albanese and President Trump at the G7 Summit in Canada was cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East.
'Secretary (of State Marco Rubio)… expressed his regret for the meeting that was scheduled for the G7 having to be rescheduled,' Ms Wong said.
'We agree that we will reschedule this meeting. We both look forward to the leaders' meeting.'
During Ms Wong and Mr Rubio's meeting, she said the AUKUS pact was discussed as well as a deal on critical minerals. Defence spending was not discussed.
Mr Rubio told reporters he was 'honoured' to host The Quad partners—Australia, India and Japan—at the Thomas Jefferson Room in Washington DC.
'These are very important countries. These are very important strategic partners and allies of the United States,' he said.
The Quad countries focused on collaboration on the production of critical minerals, aimed at reducing dependency on Chinese supply chains for rare earths.
China has developed a dominance in the market for processing and supplying many critical minerals that many countries depend on.
'We have agreed on some additional concrete measures including a Quad Critical Minerals Initiative to help secure and diversify global supply chains,' Ms Wong said.