The Pentagon has walked back a statement denying that Deputy Prime MInister Richard Marles had a "meeting" with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington after stoking a minor political furore in Canberra and causing confusion.

Canberra

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles recently met with US Vice President J.D. Vance and Defence Secretary Pete Hegzett in Washington. Initial statements from the Pentagon described the encounter as a 'happenstance' rather than a formal meeting, but this was later clarified as a pre-arranged meeting. 

The cancellation of a planned press conference and questions about Marles' absence during a busy parliamentary week have drawn scrutiny from the Coalition, who questioned the strength of the Australia-US relationship. The Prime Minister remains focused on strengthening ties with the US and is planning a face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump in the near future.

Conflicting statements about Richard Marles' U.S. meeting

It really depends on who you ask. For those at home, these pictures look very much like a meeting between Australian and US officials. Richard Marles posing for pics with US Vice President J.D. Vance and Defence Secretary Pete Hegzett in Washington just yesterday. But a planned press conference with Richard Marles following that meeting was canned before he jetted back here to Canberra. Now this is where it gets a little bit confusing. The Pentagon this morning said it was quote, not a meeting, it was a happenstance encounter. But then a few hours later they walked back that statement, saying in fact it was a meeting that was coordinated in advance. Questions too over why Richard Marles left the country on a busy parliament sitting week and the exact outcomes. The Coalition again questioning the health of Australia and America's relationship. The Pentagon itself has made clear that there was a meeting between myself and Secretary Hegzett. The relationship with the United States is our most important. And it is extraordinary that you would come in here and attempt to undermine it. A relationship the PM is keen to strengthen. Of course he's yet to have that face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump. He's hoping that will change when he heads to America next month. Sandra. Matthew Kastunin in Canberra, thank you.

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