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During an annual leaders’ meeting in Queenstown, Anthony Albanese and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon discussed defence, the war in Gaza and trade deals amid what they described as “the most unpredictable and dangerous strategic environment in decades”.
“In a time of global uncertainty, the certainty and the strength of this bond has never been more important,” Albanese said on Saturday.
Christopher Luxon said his nation had “no greater friend than Australia”.
“You are family,” the New Zealand leader said.
“There’s nothing more certain than the bedrock of the relationship that we have between our two great countries.”
Albanese addressed attendees by noting the “uncertain world” the two nations faced with “geopolitical tension, issues with trade and conflict in the world”.
“But there is one thing that is certain and that is that Australia and New Zealand stand together,” he said.
‘An example for the world’
The leaders committed to further advancing the trans-Tasman single economic market, established in 2009 to grow trade and deepen investment links between the two countries, as “an example for the world”.
“At a time when free and fair trade is being questioned, I think it’s really important that we emphasise the opportunity that’s there as well for both of our nations being located as we are,” Albanese said.
“Just to our north is the fastest-growing region in the world in human history, and that represents opportunity.”
The “complicated” relationship between opportunities and challenges posed by China became a focus of talks behind the scenes
“China is a massive and significant player in the world, and it’s a permanent feature of global affairs,” Albanese told reporters shortly after the closed-door meetings.
“We have an approach which is about co-operating where we can (and) we disagree where we must.
The pair also discussed the impact of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
While Trump raised tariffs against dozens of nations, he showed mercy on Australia and kept levies against most products at 10 per cent.
But New Zealand was not spared — hit with a 15 per cent “reciprocal” tariff.
The leaders expressed their concern at the recent turbulence in global trade, vowing to co-operate to continue global trade and investment openness.
They also agreed to work together to reform the World Trade Organisation as the foundation and enforcer of global trade rules.
Joint statement on Israel’s Gaza City takeover plan
The leaders joined a chorus of global leaders condemning the plan and warning it would worsen a humanitarian crisis in the devastated enclave.
After Saturday’s meeting, Albanese and Luxon issued a joint statement calling on Israel to comply with international law.
“Any attempt by Israel to escalate hostilities, including by taking control of Gaza City, would be wrong, risk violating international law, and exacerbate the human catastrophe already unfolding inside the Gaza Strip,” they said.
“We urge the Israeli government to reconsider before it is too late.
“Any proposals for the permanent forced displacement of the Palestinian population must be abandoned.”
Albanese’s two-day trip to New Zealand continues on Sunday.
