World News
Anthony Albanese Meets Trump to Discuss Minerals, Defense, and Trade
On October 20, 2025, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the AUKUS defense agreement, key mineral cooperation, and trade matters.
Albanese emphasized that AUKUS represents an important strategic investment for Australia, aiming to strengthen defense cooperation with the U.S. and U.K., and promote the extraction and refinement of critical minerals to support defense and technology industries.
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd highlighted at a defense reception that AUKUS benefits Australian industry and enhances Australia’s position in the global strategic landscape.
The meeting also raised concerns about the responsibilities and costs Australia bears under AUKUS. While the U.S. has urged Australia to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, Albanese stated that Australia will allocate defense resources according to its own needs.