On February 7, 2023, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins left and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hold a joint press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia. New Zealand and Australia are stronger when working side by side through New Zealand and Australia's single economic market, people-to - people links and shared interests in the region and the world, according to PHOTO AP WELLINGTON - Through New Zealand and Australia's single economic market, people-to-people links and shared interests, New Zealand and Australia are strongest when working side by side, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said on Tuesday.
Hipkins said New Zealand has no closer partner than Australia after meeting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra. According to a New Zealand government statement, Hipkins was his first overseas visit since he took office last month, reflecting the close relationship between New Zealand and Australia.
The two leaders discussed the global economic challenges facing both countries and New Zealanders and Australians, including rising inflation, the cost of living and the wide-ranging impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Hipkins said.
He said that there was also a need for cooperation and engagement in the Pacific region, as well as the importance of working together to support Pacific partners facing a complex and growing array of challenges, including climate change.
READ MORE: New NZ PM Chris Hipkins will meet Australian counterpart Chris Hipkins.
Hipkins hopes to host the Australia-New Zealand Leaders Meeting and Australia-New Zealand Leadership Forum in July this year, which will provide more opportunities for trans-Tasman business and government leaders to connect.