New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has extended a warm welcome to his Australian counterpart in Queenstown for their annual meeting.
Hosting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his fiancee Jodie Haydon at the South Island resort, Mr Luxon is convening the Australia New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting today and tomorrow.
This marks the first time the meeting has taken place in Queenstown since 2021, when former prime ministers Scott Morrison and Dame Jacinda Ardern conducted a tightly controlled session due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Expressing gratitude for Mr Albanese and the delegation’s presence, Mr Luxon stated, “You are not just friends – you are whanau, you are family.” He emphasized the importance of the strong bond between New Zealand and Australia in navigating the current uncertain global landscape.
Ngai Tahu representatives, including Sir Tipene O’Regan and Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou upoko Edward Ellison, also welcomed Mr Albanese to Queenstown.
Bilateral discussions were scheduled for the afternoon, with additional engagements such as a business roundtable involving the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum.
This visit marks Mr Albanese’s second trip across the Tasman, having last visited in 2023 to meet with former Labour prime minister Chris Hipkins.
Despite their differing political ideologies, both Mr Albanese and Mr Luxon emphasized the enduring friendship, neighborliness, and alliance between their nations.
Discussions during the meeting are expected to touch upon defense, economic partnerships, and security, according to AAP reports.
Mr Albanese expressed his anticipation for conversations on enhancing the single economic market, modernizing trading systems, strengthening alliances, and supporting Pacific partners.
The established single economic market, initiated in 2009, has facilitated trade growth and investment cooperation between New Zealand and Australia.
The two-way trade between the countries amounts to $NZ35 billion, highlighting the substantial economic ties.
Extensive cooperation between the governments has been evident, with over half of the New Zealand Cabinet members visiting Australia since Mr Luxon’s government assumed office in late 2023.
– Allied Media and AAP
