Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to advocate for greater global peace and security during high-level meetings in New York this week, as senior allies of US President Donald Trump caution that Australia’s planned recognition of Palestinian statehood could trigger punitive measures from Washington.
Mr Albanese arrived in New York on Sunday morning, Australian time, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly and a possible first meeting with President Trump. Australia intends to use the UN talks to formally recognise Palestine, in coordination with France, Canada and the United Kingdom. The move has drawn strong criticism from Israel and from Republican figures in the United States.
“We want to see increased peace, security and stability around the world,” Mr Albanese said. “Australia plays an important role. We are a trusted partner and an ally.”
A group of 25 senior Republican lawmakers, including Texas senator Ted Cruz and New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik, have written to Mr Albanese, as well as to French president Emmanuel Macron, UK prime minister Keir Starmer and Canadian leader Mark Carney, urging them to reconsider. The letter, also sent to President Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, described the policy as “reckless” and warned it would undermine prospects for peace.
The lawmakers argued that recognition of Palestine would set “the dangerous precedent that violence, not diplomacy, is the most expedient means for terrorist groups like Hamas to achieve their political aims” and claimed it would coincide with rising antisemitic incidents in the signatory countries. They warned that proceeding would place Australia at odds with longstanding US policy and “may invite punitive measures in response”.
Albanese’s schedule in New York does not yet include a confirmed bilateral meeting with President Trump. The two leaders had been due to meet at the G7 summit in Canada in June, but the US president departed early. A reception for world leaders at the UN may provide their first opportunity for direct talks, though Australia is seeking a more substantive engagement during the visit.
Both leaders are expected to attend the Apec summit in South Korea in October, where President Trump will also meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.
While in New York, Albanese is due to participate in a major conference on a potential two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. He is also seeking talks with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over competing bids to host the Cop31 climate summit next year.
President Trump’s visit to New York will be brief, following his attendance at the funeral of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk. Both he and Mr Albanese will deliver national addresses to the General Assembly during the week’s proceedings.
