Prime Minister Anthony Albanese touched down in New York on Sunday morning (AEST) for four days of frenzied diplomatic meetings on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
After arriving at John F Kennedy International Airport, Albanese told reporters that “what we want to see is increased peace and security and stability around the world”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon arrive at JFK International Airport ahead of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
“Australia plays an important role. We are a trusted partner and an ally,” he said.
Albanese said the UN General Assembly would offer an opportunity to advance Australia’s interests, including by outlining Australia’s new emissions reduction targets.
“We also have particular issues to advance, such as our social media ban, where Australia is leading the world,” he said, referring to the government’s move to prevent children aged under 16 from operating social media accounts.
Albanese is expected to at least meet US President Donald Trump in person this week though there are doubts a sit-down meeting between the two leaders will occur. There had been hopes of a formal meeting today, but Trump is attending the funeral of prominent right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk.
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Also in the US is Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen who last week announced the government’s new target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by between 62 and 70 per cent of 2005 levels by 2035.
As part of the new target, the government also revealed an extra $7 billion in spending, taking its total expenditure in trying to reduce emissions to $75 billion.
