Prime Minister Scott Morrison was first referred to as "that gentleman Down Under" rather than being recognised by name for participating in the US-UK-Australia deal.
Australians on Thursday squirmed as US President Joe Biden praised Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for joining a significant new defence alliance but seemed to forget his name.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison was first referred to as "that gentleman Down Under" rather than being recognised by name for participating in the US-UK-Australia deal.
Biden was surrounded by big television screens of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who also took part remotely during a televised White House announcement.
"Thank you, Boris, and I'd want to thank that fellow Down Under. Thank you very much, buddy. Mr. Prime Minister, I appreciate it," Biden stated this as he announced a deal to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines.
Biden - “I want to thank that fella down under.”
He forgot the Australian Prime Minister’s name 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/qQNNhsvCY4
Biden appeared to regain his composure as he returned to his official comments and properly recognised Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia, who had previously replied to the apparent error with a smile and a thumbs up. For some, though, it was too late. Biden later addressed Morrison by name, but the damage had already been done.
A video of Joe's funny blooper has gone viral on social media, with #ThatFellaDownUnder quickly becoming one of the most popular Twitter hashtags.
Also Read | Australia signs deal to get nuke submarines with US, UK help; France reacts
Morrison will forever be known as and I'm here for it
— Jonathan Greenwood (@JonathanGwood), who is he and why is he following us? pic.twitter.com/1optUdLiuB
— Scott Cann (@kismyars)You can see the moment Joe broke Scott's heart pic.twitter.com/YZlTxCttMT
— Paul Meek (@PaulMeekPerth)Oh Joe! You have made our day. pic.twitter.com/HhWHnmm1wL
— Jo Dyer (@instanterudite)According to reports from Sydney, the embarrassing moment could not overshadow the significance of the agreement, which was reached at a time when China's military dominance in the Asia-Pacific region was growing. On Wednesday, the new trilateral defence and security alliance was officially established with a joint televised address.