Biden Hosts Leaders at His Wilmington Home and High School Alma Mater

President Biden, reflecting on his academic past with humor, hosted a gathering of three world leaders at his Wilmington home and high school alma mater. Welcoming Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Biden engaged in individual talks with each leader before their formal discussions and dinner at Archmere Academy.
“I don’t think the headmaster of this school thought I’d be presiding over a meeting like this,” Biden joked, highlighting the significance of the event at a place he attended over 60 years ago.
The summit precedes the leaders’ appearances at the U.N. General Assembly in New York next week. Kishida expressed his gratitude for the invitation, stating, “This place could not be better suited for my final visit as prime minister,” as both he and Biden prepare to leave office.
The meetings were designed to foster a relaxed atmosphere, with White House officials noting that Biden’s home—situated near a pond in a wooded area—contributed to a more informal setting. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan described the vibe during Biden’s one-on-one with Albanese as a friendly exchange between two leaders discussing the global landscape and sharing personal political stories.
Modi, who visited Biden’s home before the group discussions, remarked, “There cannot be a better place than President Biden’s hometown of Wilmington to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Quad.”
Reporters were not allowed to cover the individual meetings, and Biden does not plan to hold a news conference, which is typical for international summits.
During the summit, the leaders announced new initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime security and improving humanitarian response cooperation in the region, positioning their efforts as a counterbalance to China’s growing assertiveness.