Tom McIlroy

Albanese expected to meet Trump for first time at world leader reception in New York

Donald Trump’s presence is already dominating the UN general assembly in New York, with the US president set to host a reception for visiting world leaders on Tuesday night, local time.

We expect the event will be the first time that Anthony Albanese will meet Trump in person, likely a short hello as part of the formalities. The prime minister and his partner, Jodie Haydon, are attending the reception to represent Australia, along with dozens of other leaders in town for the UN.

The White House press office has released timings for the event, expected to start about 9am Sydney time.

The president will speak at the reception, before returning to Washington DC, about two hours later. We don’t expect to have much information from inside the room, given journalists are barred from observing the proceedings.

Trump and Albanese have not held a formal bilateral meeting in New York, despite a big push by Australian diplomats to get the two leaders together this week, though the White House has confirmed they will hold a proper one-to-one meeting next month.

Trump addressed the UN earlier in the day and his presence is being felt in every meeting, from recognition of Palestine, to climate change, to wider geopolitical affairs.

Haydon will also attend the Fostering the Future Together reception hosted by Melania Trump today.