South Korean leader zings Albo
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has delivered a humbling blow to Anthony Albanese, claiming the Prime Minister was much younger and better-looking than he sounded.
The diplomatic jab preceded Mr Albanese and Mr Lee's bilateral meeting on Tuesday (AEST), with both leaders invited by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to attend the G7 Leaders Summit as outreach partners.
'You look much younger and good-looking than I imagined from your voice,' Mr Lee told Mr Albanese through his translator.
This was the first time the leaders had met face-to-face, though they had earlier spoken on the phone.
The comment earned a solid laugh from Mr Albanese and the journalists from the room.
Mr Albanese later joked in response: 'Thank you for your kind comments, I think winning an election takes a few years off your age'. Mr Lee told Mr Albanese he was 'much younger and good-looking' than he expected from his voice. Credit: NewsWire Mr Albanese responded in jest, joking winning an election 'takes a few years off your age'. Credit: NewsWire
Mr Lee backed further continued economic co-operation between the two countries.
'We are close economic partners. And going forward, I believe there's even further room for future co-operation and I should admit that we happily rely on Australian natural resources,' he said.
Mr Albanese said it was 'wonderful' to meet Mr Lee so soon after his election win on June 3, and said the two countries had built a 'very important economic relationship,' and shared strong defence co-operation.
He also acknowledged the upcoming commeration of the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of war on the Korean Peninsular.
Australia is slated to hold a National Commemorative Service at the Australian National Korean War Memorial in Canberra in honour of the 18,000 AUstralians who served during the Korean War, with 340 Australians losing their lives.
'Australia is a reliable supplier of energy to Korea, and we look forward to participating when you host the APEC meeting later this year,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Age
28 minutes ago
- The Age
ASX edges lower after Trump's Tehran warning; Gold, uranium stocks advance
The Australian sharemarket was treading cautiously on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump called for the evacuation of Tehran, in comments that contrasted with earlier optimism that Israel's war against Iran wouldn't escalate into a wider conflict. Swinging between minor gains and losses, the S&P/ASX 200 was down 10.8 points, or 0.1 per cent, at 8537.20 as of 1.31pm AEST. It had added just 1 point on Monday. The Australian dollar was up 0.1 per cent at US65.31¢ at lunchtime. US futures were down and oil climbed almost 2 per cent following Trump's comments in a social media post from the Group of Seven leaders' summit in Alberta, Canada. It wasn't clear what he was referring to but hours earlier, Trump had said Iran wanted to make a deal, sparking hopes the fighting could remain contained and pushing Wall Street higher in its session overnight. Trump earlier said Iran wanted to talk about de-escalating the conflict with Israel even as the two sides exchanged fire for the fourth consecutive day. Asked if the US would get more involved militarily, the US leader said he didn't want to discuss it. However, he is cutting short his visit to the G7, according to the White House, and returning to Washington. From the world stage back to the local sharemarket, miners, tech and energy stocks gained, holding up the ASX, while the big four banks and utilities were down. Loading Gold miners rose as Trump's warning boosted demand for havens. Bullion rose as much as 0.4 per cent to top $US3400 an ounce, following a 1.4 per cent slide on Monday, which was the biggest daily decline in a month. Northern Star Resources shares rose 2.1 per cent, Evolution Mining gained 1 per cent and Newmont Corporation gained 2.7 per cent. The iron ore heavyweights were mixed, with BHP down 0.5 per cent, while Fortescue and Rio Tinto up 0.1 per cent and 0.2 per cent, respectively. A rally in uranium producers boosted the energy sector after Canadian asset manager Sprott said it would buy some $US200 million ($306 million) worth of the metal for its dedicated physical uranium trust. Paladin Energy climbed 6.2 per cent, Boss Energy gained 6.1 per cent and Deep Energy jumped 8.6 per cent.
Sky News AU
29 minutes ago
- Sky News AU
G7 leaders express support for Israel's right to defend itself, condemning Iran for 'regional instability and terror'
World leaders from the G7 have expressed support for Israel and warned Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons. G7 countries—which include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and US—issued a statement in response to the conflict on Tuesday. The world leaders reaffirmed the Jewish state's right to self-defence and warned Iran should never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. 'We, the leaders of the G7, reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East,' the joint statement said. 'In this context, we affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel. 'Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror. We have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.' The leaders also called for the 'de-escalation of hostilities' in the Middle East and the 'protection of civilians'. — G7 (@G7) June 17, 2025 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who attended the summit, struck a notably softer tone than the joint G7 statement on Tuesday. Mr Albanese was attending the G7 Summit as an outreach partner—but Australia is not a G7 country. 'We are deeply concerned and we have urged all parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy,' Mr Albanese said on Tuesday. 'The safety of Australians is, of course, our priority at the moment and I reiterate that our advice is do not travel to Israel and Iran. 'We want to see peace and security in the region and we want to see a de-escalation.' At a press conference on Monday, Mr Albanese was asked what his attitude would be if there was a move for a joint statement in support of Israel. "Well, we're not members of the G7, so we won't... That will be something that is up to G7 countries to discuss," he said. The G7 statement comes as Israel and Iran entered a fifth day of conflict, following the Israeli campaign that began with the targeting of Iran's nuclear program. Iranian officials have reported 224 deaths, mostly civilians, in five days, while Israel said 24 civilians had been killed. US President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday (Australian time) that 'everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran'. He also said Iran had rejected a US-brokered nuclear deal and blamed Tehran for prolonging the war. Meanwhile, the Albanese government's emphasis on Middle East diplomacy has drawn criticism from the federal opposition in Canberra. Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes called the government's stance 'absolutely ridiculous' pointing out that Iran and Israel have had no diplomatic relations since 1979. 'It's absolutely ridiculous… for Australia's foreign minister to call for some sort of talk fest,' Senator Hughes said. 'We know that Iran has employed many, many proxies and has called for the annihilation of Israel.' Senator Dave Sharma, chair of the Senate Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, said 'the war will continue' due to core national interests on both sides. 'Part of the reason for this war is the failure of dialogue,' Mr Sharma said in response to Ms Wong's calls for diplomacy. 'There have been multiple rounds of negotiations held with Iran… that war will continue whilst those national interests are being prosecuted or defended.'
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Perth Now
Australian sportswear icon dies
Australian sportswear icon Larry Adler has died. Adler's stores made the sad announcement on Instagram and Facebook on Monday, praising their founder's love of skiing and the outdoor community. Larry worked for a decade as an instructor at Mont Tremblant in Canada and Charlotte Pass in NSW. A few years later, he opened Larry Adler Ski & Outdoor, building a legacy that has lasted for decades. According to the Larry Adler website, stores still operate in the Sydney suburbs of Collaroy and Chatswood, as well as in Jindabyne, near the Snowy Mountains in NSW. Australian sportswear icon Larry Adler has died, as he is praised for his love of the skiing and the great outdoors Credit: Instagram Adler passed away on June 14, the post announced. His cause of death was not immediately disclosed. 'Larry was a pioneer of the Australian ski industry, but more importantly, he was a beloved husband to Nanette, a father to Skye, Craig, Scott, and Larry, a cherished grandfather, and a mentor to many,' the post read. 'Our hearts are with the entire Adler family. 'A proud member of the Canadian Ski Instructors' Alliance, Larry's passion for the mountains was legendary.' The tribute went on to praise Adler's impact on Australian skiing. The tribute went on to praise the impact he had on Australian skiing. Credit: Instagram It continued: 'His passion was infectious, and his impact on the Australian ski and outdoor community is immeasurable. 'Larry's legacy will forever be etched on the slopes he loved and in the hearts of the countless people he taught, employed, and inspired. 'His love for skiing and the great outdoors will continue through the work we do every day.' The post was inundated with praise from family, friends, and shoppers. 'Deepest condolences. Many fond memories of Larry passing around schnapps while we were having ski boots fitted in the early Collaroy store. His passion was definitely infectious,' one friend wrote. 'Condolences to the family and team. Very sad to read this—he was a legend. So sorry, Nan. Our thoughts are with you,' another added tenderly. 'Oh dear, a big hole in the industry. Extending heartfelt sympathy and condolences to all.'
