News analysis
Trump’s assurance of Aukus support to Starmer offers some consolation for Albanese, but concerns remain
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US President Donald Trump (left) and British PM Keir Starmer speak to reporters together during their meeting at the G-7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.
PHOTO: AFP
SYDNEY – A much-vaunted meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump to discuss the future of a three-way security pact that also involves Britain did not take place as planned at the Group of Seven (G-7) summit in Calgary, after the American leader abruptly left to deal with the Israel-Iran war.
Nevertheless, Canberra’s concerns about the US commitment to the Aukus pact – which involves the supply of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia at a cost of A$368 billion (S$307 billion) – were partially assuaged when British Prime Minister Keir Starmer appeared to secure the backing of the mercurial Mr Trump for the deal.
