Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently took to social media to share a selfie alongside former U.S. President Donald Trump. The snapshot was taken during their encounter on the fringes of the United Nations General Assembly.

The prime minister’s decision to post the image comes after previous criticism at home for his inability to arrange a formal meeting with Trump. However, this informal interaction marks a shift, addressing some of those earlier criticisms.

Throughout their brief engagement, the leaders touched on significant global issues, including Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine, the state of European security, and matters of international trade.

During the discussion, French President Emmanuel Macron was noted for his careful and persistent challenges to Trump’s viewpoints, showcasing the diplomatic tensions often present in such high-level meetings.

In response to Macron’s challenges, Trump remarked, “If you believe that, it’s okay with me,” reflecting his characteristic approach to diplomatic discourse.

A letter from the King

The letter was an invitation for the US president for an unprecedented second state visit to Britain.

The letter was an invitation for the US president for an unprecedented second state visit to Britain which Trump accepted. Source: Getty / Andrew Harnik

“That is really nice. I must make sure his signature is on that. Because otherwise, it’s not quite as meaningful. And it is. And that’s quite a signature, isn’t it?” Trump said.

The UK has agreed to a 10 per cent tariff rate, marking the lowest US tariff negotiated by any country that struck a deal with Trump.

‘Gambling with World War Three’

“I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country,” Vance said.

Relations between the pair have since improved.

An ambush in the Oval Office

The two leaders were discussing trade and critical minerals when Trump abruptly played a video he claimed showed genocide being committed against white South African farmers, forcing them to flee to the United States.

“The farmers are not black,” he said.

The ‘very productive’ but vague meeting

In mid-August, the highly anticipated meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin took place in Alaska. The almost three-hour meeting was not televised, and the leaders conducted a joint press conference afterwards.

A meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska in August failed to result in a breakthrough. Source: EPA / Gavrill Grigorov

“There were many, many points that we agreed on. I would say a couple of big ones that we haven’t quite got there, but we’ve made some headway. So there’s no deal until there’s a deal,” Trump told reporters.