You can call me pal: PM laughs off Biden gaffe
October – Australia, the UK and the US sign a historic security pact dubbed AUKUS. President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Prime Minister Boris Johnson make a joint announcement to confirm the US and the UK would help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines. The agreement led to a falling out with France, which had a pre-existing submarine deal with Australia. Photo: Getty
Scott Morrison says he isn’t fussed that Joe Biden forgot his name.
The US President raised eyebrows when he referred to the Prime Minister as “pal” and “that fellow Down Under” during Thursday’s major defence co-operation announcement.
While Mr Biden called British Prime Minister Boris Johnson by his first name, Mr Morrison was addressed only by his title.
“Thank you, Boris … I want to thank, ah, that fella down under,” Mr Biden said.
“Thank you very much, pal.”
During a media blitz on Friday to talk up the new AUKUS pact, Mr Morrison laughed off the incident.
“Usually when we speak privately, he refers to me as pal,” he told the Seven Network.
He said the pair had a great working relationship despite the awkward moment.
“Oh, I didn’t pay much attention to it. I mean these things happen. They happen frequently,” he told Nine.
“From time to time you know I’ve been known to let the odd name slip from my memory – that’s pretty normal in our line of work I’ve got to be honest.”
Mr Morrison said he referred to Mr Biden as “Mr President” or “mate” in private conversations.
Australia’s leader will visit the US for the first time since Mr Biden became president next week.
-with AAP
