Albanese meets with Quad leaders as summit begins

It's the fourth in-person summit and the first time the outgoing US president has hosted world leaders in his home state.

Indo-Pacific security will be a major topic for discussion at the summit. (Supplied by Pmo/AAP PHOTOS)

The South China Sea and Indo-Pacific security are expected to be significant topics of conversation, with Mr Albanese previously signalling the leaders would discuss further support to developing nations.

Energy security, conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine and climate change are also expected to be high on the agenda.

The US state department signalled announcements related to health, humanitarian and disaster response, maritime security, infrastructure and cyber security.

Our two nations have stood together for decades in the cause of peace, prosperity and stability.— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) Today, we continued our work towards a stronger future.Great to see you, my friend. 🇦🇺🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/8KjQ2MntVkSeptember 20, 2024

Before the official summit got under way, Mr Albanese met with Mr Biden for "warm and engaging" talks on Friday evening local time.

They exchanged gifts, with the US leader receiving a leather air force jacket as the prime minister accepted artwork and a book on the Catholic high school Mr Biden attended.

The pair discussed defence and security matters, as well Australia's progress towards a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership.

Anthony Albanese said it was an honour to meet with the US president at his home. (Supplied by Pmo/AAP PHOTOS)

"It was a very warm and engaging discussion ... a discussion between allies and a discussion between friends," Mr Albanese told reporters.

"My understanding is it was the first time that a foreign leader has met him at his home, and so I feel that it was a great honour," he said.

The next Quad meeting is due to be held in India in 2025.