Well, that’s a relief: Australia may not be a high priority for Donald Trump, but neither are we in the diplomatic deep freezer.

Just as Anthony Albanese’s failure to secure his first meeting with Trump was beginning to become politically damaging, the prime minister has locked in a White House visit next month. This is a victory for Albanese, even if it means he will have to schlep back to the United States for the third time this year.

The fact the meeting was being organised behind the scenes helps explain why the prime minister has appeared so laid-back in New York this week, despite mounting criticism about his failure to score any face time with Trump eight months into the US leader’s second presidency.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump at the president’s welcome reception. Credit: Instagram

Albanese certainly looks happy in the selfie he posted to Instagram on Wednesday afternoon (AEST), which showed him beaming next to Trump after a brief conversation at the president’s welcome reception of world leaders attending the United Nations General Assembly.

“Good to chat with President Donald Trump at US welcome reception for world leaders attending United Nations General Assembly hosted by @potus and @flotus,” Albanese noted in the caption.

It’s also a win for ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd, who was facing increasing scrutiny about his access to the White........

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