Australian Prime Minister Arrives At White House

WASHINGTON (AP) — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is at the White House for a day of meetings with U.S. President Joe Biden.

His state visit this week is intended to deepen the partnership between the two allies, and will also feature a lavish state dinner in the evening.

The leaders are working on economic development partnerships that are intended to bolster Pacific island nations.

They’re also pushing to arm Australia with U.S.-made, nuclear-powered submarines.

The initiatives are intended to counter China’s influence in the region, which is one of Biden’s top foreign policy goals.

The White House press secretary says there’s “no more important time than now” to hold the state visit to demonstrate the strength of the U.S.-Australia relationship.