Awkward Moment Joe Biden Appears To Forget Scott Morrison's Name

Joe Biden has appeared to forget the name of his Australian counterpart during a historic and landmark joint announcement.

The US President was joined by Scott Morrison and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to reveal a new strategic intelligence alliance.

During his remarks, Mr Biden stumbled at a crucial moment.

"Thank you Boris, and I want to thank that fellow Down Under," he said. "Thank you very much, pal! Appreciate it, Mr Prime Minister."

The US President quickly recalled the Australian Prime Minister's name and they carried on with the big announcement, however loads of people picked up on the awkward moment on social media.

The trilateral security partnership is being dubbed the AUKUS alliance and it will allow the three countries to share expertise on issues like cyber warfare and artificial intelligence.

As part of the new alliance, the US will be sending nuclear-powered submarines to help Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.

Scott Morrison confirmed these vessels wouldn't be carrying nuclear weapons and they will be built in Adelaide.

"We will continue to meet all our nuclear non-proliferation obligations," he said.

Politico explained how some experts believe the partnership has a 'subtext' to it that is designed to 'push back on China's rise in the military and technology arenas'.

Boris Johnson said about the new alliance: "The UK, Australia and US are natural allies - while we may be separated geographically, our interests and values are shared.

"The AUKUS alliance will bring us closer than ever, creating a new defence partnership and driving jobs and prosperity.

"This partnership will become increasingly vital for defending our interests in the Indo-Pacific region and, by extension, protecting our people back at home."

Topics: Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie