Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to Joe Biden after the US President announced he would not seek re-election in the November election.
Breaking from his annual leave, the Prime Minister said Mr Biden’s decision was another example of him acting in “what he considers to be the best interests of the United States of America”.
Mr Albanese recounted his meetings with Mr Biden over the past two years, saying he had been a “great friend of Australia” and that he looked forward to seeing the outgoing President at upcoming summits before his January retirement.
“President Biden deserves today to be recognised for once again not putting himself first, but giving his first consideration to what he believes is best interests of the United States, as he has done his whole public life,” Mr Albanese said.
“President Biden has been a great friend of Australia… I pay tribute to him today.”
In announcing his decision to step aside, Mr Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic presidential nominee.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” he said in his statement.
“And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Mr Biden, who is isolating at home with Covid-19, said he would make a public statement later this week.
More to come.