‘Old mate Biden knows my name’

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison has laughed off US President Joe Biden appearing to forget his name at a major announcement.

Mr Morrison said “of course” the 46th US President knew his name and claimed he called him “pal” on the phone all the time.

Mr Biden made headlines when he stumbled over our PM’S name while announcing a trilateral partnership with Britain and Australia.

The deal will see the US share nuclear technology that will help Australia build a multibillion-dollar fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

The PM said on Friday he was not sure if the president forgot, but if he had, it was a mistake most people make from time to time.

“I don’t know, but he does refer to me as pal in our private conversations quite regularly,’’ Mr Morrison said with a laugh to radio broadcaster Neil Mitchell.

“If he did (forget) we’ve all had those moments. I’ve had them.”

Mitchell then asked: “If he calls you pal, what do you call him?”

“I call him Mr President. Or mate,’’ the Prime Minister said.

The blunder happened when Mr Biden turned to thank British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Mr Morrison.

“Thank you, Boris,” Mr Biden said. “And I want to thank that fella Down Under. Thank you very much pal.”