23.44 CESTAlbanese says he had ‘productive’, ‘substantial’ call with Trump and Aukus still ‘full steam ahead’Anthony Albanese is speaking in Canberra after he held a “productive” and “substantial” call with Donald Trump. He said the pair spoke about a “number of global and regional issues”, including the conflict in the Middle East and recent developments in the Pacific.Albanese said the pair spoke about the Aukus submarine deal, which “remains full steam ahead”. double quotation markWe agreed it was a project that is and will continue to deliver benefits for the United States, for Australia, and for the United Kingdom. He said he raised the issue of tariffs, asking the president to consider full exemption or at the very least no increase of those in effect. double quotation markI always put forward Australia’s national interest during these discussions. Anthony Albanese arrives to speak to journalists at Parliament House on Friday. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAPShareUpdated at 00.17 CEST
