TOKYO, May 22, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - US President Joe Biden on Sunday called 
Australia's incoming prime minister Anthony Albanese to congratulate him on 
his election victory and underline the strength of their countries' alliance, 
the White House said.

The two leaders will meet Tuesday at the Quad group summit in Tokyo and the 
White House has praised Albanese for deciding to make the trip.

"President Biden reaffirmed the United States' steadfast commitment to the 
US-Australia alliance and his intent to work closely with the new government 
to make it stronger still," it said in a statement.

"President Biden expressed deep appreciation for the prime minister-
designate's own early commitment to the alliance, reflected in his decision 
to travel almost immediately to Tokyo to attend the Quad Summit."

This is "a vital opportunity to exchange views and continue to drive 
practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific", the statement added, using the 
administration's term for the Asia-Pacific region.

The Quad, comprising Australia, Japan, India and the United States, is a 
loose grouping established during Washington's efforts to reinforce its 
regional leadership and counteract an increasingly muscular Chinese military 
and trade presence.