As the G7 summit in Canada was overshadowed by Donald Trump's early departure, Australian Prime Minister Mark Carney faced the challenge of managing the aftermath of the US president's abrupt exit. Trump's history of disruptive behavior at such events raised concerns for leaders like Carney and Britain's Keir Starmer, who have had to navigate the unpredictable nature of the American leader.

Albanese's anticipated meeting with Trump was derailed by the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, prompting the US president to cut his visit short. This left the Australian prime minister in a precarious position, with his foreign affairs acumen being put to the test. Despite not being a member of the G7, the bilateral relationship between Australia and the US was a key factor in Albanese's decision to attend the summit.

In light of the challenges posed by a potential meeting with Trump, Albanese hinted at a possible trip to Europe to coincide with the Nato summit in The Hague. However, the prospect of engaging with Trump in a summit dominated by global crises presents significant risks. Given Trump's impatience with his peers' advice and the pressing issues on the world stage, Albanese may find himself low on the US president's list of priorities.

Should Trump decide to cancel or stand up the Australian leader, it could have serious implications for Australia's standing as a key ally. Having campaigned against Trump during the election, Albanese now faces the task of working alongside him for the foreseeable future, making the success of any potential meeting crucial for his political credibility.

Albanese's interactions with other world leaders, such as Nato's secretary general Mark Rutte, have provided him with valuable insights and opportunities to discuss key global issues. While his discussions at the G7 summit yielded positive outcomes in areas like defense agreements and energy supply, the looming prospect of a meeting with Trump at Nato raises concerns about the optics of his diplomatic efforts.