Australian prime minister evokes Beau Biden during state visit welcome

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese quoted President Joe Biden‘s late son Beau Biden during his welcome to the White House for the U.S.-Australia state visit.

“Mr. President, in reflecting on this century of service, I’m reminded of a sentiment that you had shared before from an American soldier talking about his time in Iraq,” Albanese told a crowd of 4,000 people on the South Lawn Wednesday. “That sentiment was this: You know when there’s an Australian with you, they’ll always have your back. A generous thought from a man of courage and character, Maj. Beau Biden.”

HOUSING DISASTER THREATENS ECONOMY IN FRONT OF BIDEN’S EYES

Joe Biden earlier reflected on Australia’s role in relaying the live broadcast of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, misquoting astronaut Neil Armstrong’s words when he became the first man on the moon.

“That’s one small step for man, one giant step for mankind,” Biden said.

The U.S. and Australia “continue to stand together” amid the Ukraine and Israel wars, in addition to China‘s increased assertiveness in the South China Sea, in an alliance that started during World War I.

“Today, we’re feeling a spark of innovation that has long burned in the hearts of Aussies and Americans,” Biden said. “Innovation to help people in the Indo-Pacific and all around the world. Innovation that took us to the moon and will take us further in the years ahead.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hosted Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon for an intimate dinner at the White House Tuesday before Wednesday’s bilateral meeting, press conference, and state dinner, a muted affair after the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack.

During Tuesday’s dinner, the Bidens gifted Albanese with an antique writing desk and custom turntable, as well as giving Haydon a green enamel and diamond petite necklace.