Moment Joe Biden pronounces Anthony Albanese’s name wrong at a historic meeting aired to millions around the world – before UK PM Rishi Sunak botches it as well
Joe Biden awkwardly pronounced Anthony Albanese’s name wrong during a meeting between the two leaders on the historic AUKUS deal.
The US President was joined by the Australian Prime Minister and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in San Diego on Tuesday to unveil details of the $368billion plan for Australia to acquire eight nuclear powered submarines.
Mr Biden said it was an honour to welcome both leaders to the US, but referred to Mr Albanese as ‘Mr Alba-neez’ rather than ‘Alban-nese’.
The US President’s mispronunciation was swiftly followed up by Mr Sunak addressing Mr Albanese as ‘Antony’, rather than ‘Anthony’.
The slip-ups caught the attention of Today Show host Karl Stefanovic who jokingly referred to Mr Albanese as ‘Antony’ when wrapping up their segment on the meeting.
‘A very significant announcement there really geared towards Australia, wasn’t it? Not quite getting the Prime Minister’s name right but who’s counting,’ he said.
‘Prime Minister Anthony Albanese or “Antony”, US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announcing the most significant defence pact in decades.’
Mr Albanese announced on Tuesday Australia would spend up to $368billion for the deal and will command a fleet of eight nuclear-powered submarines within the next three decades under a fast-tracked plan to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific.
Canberra will acquire three US Virginia-class nuclear submarines as a stop-gap from approximately 2033 before a new SSN-AUKUS-class hybrid vessel arrives in Australian waters a decade later as part of the trilateral alliance with the UK and US.
The cost to taxpayers will come in at an eye-watering $268-$368 billion over the next three decades.
The US President (centre) was joined by the Australian Prime Minister (left) and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (right) in San Diego on Tuesday to unveil details of the $368billion plan for Australia to acquire eight nuclear powered submarines
Beginning this year, Australian military and civilian personnel will embed within the US Navy and the Royal Navy, and in the UK and US submarine industrial bases to train up Australian personnel.
A new submarine base to house the nuclear powered-AUKUS fleet will be created along the east coast with Port Kembla, in NSW, tipped as the new location.
The announcement came as Chinese president Xi Jinping warned his country would strengthen its military in response to the AUKUS plan.
He addressed the National People’s Congress on Monday saying the military would be bolstered to create a ‘great wall of steel’, labelled security the ‘bedrock of development’ and accused Western colonial powers of ‘national humiliation’.
Mr Albanese is seen shaking hands with Mr Biden as they unveiled details of the AUKUS deal
‘We must fully promote the modernisation of national defence and the armed forces, and build the people’s armed forces into a great wall of steel that effectively safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests,’ he said.
Mr Albanese labelled the historic AUKUS deal a new chapter in the strengthening relationship with the US and UK.
‘A friendship built on our shared values, our commitment to democracy and our common vision for a peaceful and a prosperous future,’ he said.
‘This is only the first time in 65 years and only the second time in history that the United States has shared its nuclear propulsion technology. And we thank you for it.
‘This is a genuine trilateral undertaking. All three nations stand ready to contribute and all three nations stand ready to benefit.’
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