Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will not have a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump this week, as confirmed by the White House. This decision comes as the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) convenes in New York, where Western leaders, including Albanese, have recognized the state of Palestine.

This marks Albanese's first attendance at the UNGA since he took office four years ago. A key focus of his agenda is to change Australia’s policy regarding the Middle East to formally recognize Palestine as a state. Albanese's office had hoped that his trip to New York would facilitate a meeting with Trump, whom he has yet to meet.

However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt outlined the President's busy schedule for Tuesday, which includes a major speech highlighting American strengths and accomplishments, as well as bilateral meetings with leaders from Ukraine, Argentina, and the European Union. Leavitt stated, "Tomorrow morning, President Trump will deliver a major speech touting the renewal of American strengths around the world, and his historic accomplishments in just 8 months, including the ending of seven global wars and conflicts."

In addition to these meetings, Trump is set to hold a multilateral meeting with leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan. Albanese's hopes for a meeting were further dashed when his name was not included in the list of planned discussions.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley criticized Albanese, suggesting that the relationship between Australia and the U.S. is deteriorating. Ley expressed concern, stating, "Our job in Australia is to stand up for our national interest... I am concerned that the relationship is drifting."

Earlier, Trump had indicated he might meet with "some of the majors" on the sidelines of the UNGA and had hinted at a possible face-to-face meeting with Albanese. However, this did not materialize, and Albanese's name was absent from the President's meeting schedule.

Just a day before the announcement, Albanese had expressed optimism about securing a meeting with Trump, saying, "No, we’ll wait and see... I look forward to meeting with President Trump at some stage."

With the bilateral meeting now off the table, Albanese's first interaction with Trump may be limited to a brief encounter at a drinks reception. Albanese had planned to use the UNGA, along with upcoming APEC and ASEAN summits, to engage with Trump. However, uncertainties surrounding the Quad leaders' summit, which India is set to host, may further limit his opportunities for discussion.

Leavitt also noted that Trump would address the recognition of Palestine in his speech, criticizing world leaders for what he perceives as insufficient action. She stated, "He feels this does not do anything to release the hostages (in Gaza), does nothing to end this conflict and bring this war to a close. Frankly, he believes this is a reward to Hamas."

As the situation develops, Albanese's chances to discuss critical issues, such as the AUKUS agreement and tariffs on Australian goods, may hinge on future summits or a dedicated trip to Washington.