Wednesday, February 12, 2025

First trans-Tasman talks for new PM

Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins and Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, today held their first bilateral meeting in Canberra in what was Mr Hipkins’ first overseas visit since taking office.

“New Zealand has no closer partner than Australia. I was pleased to meet Prime Minister Albanese in person today and am looking forward to working collaboratively with him across a range of issues and opportunities,” Mr Hipkins said.

“Through our single economic market, our people-to-people links and our shared interests in our region and the world, New Zealand and Australia are strongest when working side by side.”

The Prime Minister said the two leaders discussed the global economic challenges facing both countries, including rising inflation, the cost of living and the wide ranging impact of the war in Ukraine.

The leaders in Canberra today.

He said they also discussed Australia and New Zealand’s common goals on the international stage, including support for the international rules-based order and its institutions, and maintaining a safe and secure region. 

Cooperation and engagement in the Pacific region was also on the agenda, in particular the importance of working together to support Pacific partners facing a complex and growing array of challenges, including climate change.

Also discussed was the situation of the 700,000 New Zealand citizens living in Australia, and Australia’s 501 deportations policy.

“I thanked Prime Minister Albanese for keeping these matters high on his agenda and my hope is we can continue to work closely together in the spirt of friendship and good faith to address them,” Mr Hipkins said.

“We look forward to hosting the Australia-New Zealand Leaders Meeting and Australia-New Zealand Leadership Forum in July this year, providing further opportunity for trans-Tasman business and government leaders to connect.”

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