Australia is having an influence on the world “beyond our size” by standing up for its values and inking key economic agreements with other nations, Anthony Albanese has said as his official visit to the USA comes to an end.
Albanese stressed initiatives such as the recent $2 billion boost for critical mineral supply showed the nation was punching above its weight as a “middling power” on the global stage.
“We make a difference in the global economy, the shift that we need for clean energy,” he said.
“We have the minerals that the world needs.
“We also are a country that stands up for our values.
“So we’re a country that has influence, I think, beyond our size, and it’s important that Australia have a seat at the table.
Albanese also spoke about the importance of the relationship between Australia and the United States, including his strong personal understanding with President Joe Biden.
Albanese has personally lobbied America’s new house speaker to help cement the AUKUS submarines deal by the end of this year – just a day after his appointment to the powerful job.
Mike Johnson was voted into the speakership on Wednesday morning, ending three weeks of paralysis in the US congress.