A spokeswoman for Albanese on Friday confirmed Albanese would attend the summit.
“Australia shares with NATO members a commitment to supporting democracy,peace and security,and upholding the rule of law,” she said.
“The Prime Minister’s attendance at this year’s NATO leaders’ summit will be an important opportunity to reinforce Australia’s support for these global norms,demonstrate solidarity in response to Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine,and advocate for Australia’s economic,climate and trade agenda.”
Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham welcomed Albanese’s decision to attend the summit,saying:“In what should have been an obvious and swift yes to the invitation,the Prime Minister finally has acknowledged the importance of this event and agreed to make time for it.
“Prime Minister Albanese should aim to have Australia embedded as a permanent ongoing participant in NATO dialogue and discussion,thereby ensuring continued focus on Indo-Pacific security.
“Not only should the Prime Minister be attending this summit with an agenda he should be arriving with a new and comprehensive package to support the defence of Ukraine.”