Anthony Albanese has lauded Australia’s longstanding friendship with New Zealand as he agreed to a brand new 10-year highway map designed to maintain the partnership “agile and responsive” to a altering world.
The Prime Minister appeared alongside his NZ counterpart, Chris Hipkins, to make the announcement following the annual leaders’ assembly in Wellington on Wednesday.
“Australia and New Zealand stand together as partners who share a common vision for peace, security and prosperity in our region,” Mr Albanese stated.
“The road map also identifies how we will harness our collective strengths for the good of our countries for the good of our people and for the good of our region.”
Defence co-operation was a key focus of the talks within the wake of China’s growing strategic presence within the Pacific.
In a joint assertion launched after the talks, the prime ministers expressed “serious concerns” over developments within the South China Sea and the implementation of Beijing’s policing settlement with the Solomon Islands.
“The agreement is inconsistent with Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ commitments and the approach the forum has taken on regional security matters,” the leaders stated.
Mr Hipkins additionally signalled NZ might be open to stepping up defence ties with Australia and becoming a member of the subsequent tranche of the AUKUS safety pact.
“There is no question we have a different position around nuclear propulsion … but in terms of politics, we are open to conversations with AUKUS partnership around what NZ involvement in some of those things might look like,” he stated.
“It’s early days.”
The second “pillar” to the AUKUS pact covers the sharing of superior navy applied sciences, together with quantum computing and synthetic intelligence.
It is the primary official talks between the 2 leaders because the federal authorities modified the “long overdue” guidelines permitting NZ everlasting residents of Australia a pathway to citizenship.
Since then, greater than 10,000 Kiwis have utilized for citizenship.
But Mr Albanese stated the prime ministers weren’t contemplating a trans-Tasman passport.
“What we’re looking at though is making a seamless experience of going through from country to country,” he stated.
“We have many business opportunities between us and the fact that business people will go from country to country regularly, what we want to make sure is that that experience is the best it can possibly be.”
It’s Mr Albanese’s first official journey to Aotearoa as prime minister. He was welcomed on the Beehive with a robust powhiri ceremony.
Upon getting into, Mr Albanese was met by a warrior in a ceremonial problem who handed him a rakau tapu (or dart) to find out if he got here in peace or with hostile intent.
Mr Albanese additionally carried out the hongi, a touching of noses, with principal Maori adviser to parliament Kura Moeahu, who accompanied him contained in the Beehive.
Mr Albanese later instructed reporters he was “honoured” by the standard welcome.
The go to commemorates a number of milestones between Australia and New Zealand, together with the celebration of 80 years of diplomatic relations, 50 years of the trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement and 40 years of our Closer Economic Relations Free Trade Agreement.
The leaders’ assembly came about within the shadow of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, collectively hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Hipkins stated the pair have been trying ahead to sharing a beer at a fan occasion for the match in Wellington on Wednesday night.
Mr Albanese will return to Australia on Thursday.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
