Australia and New Zealand are urging Pacific nations to look to them for support

ABC NEWS (Australia)

The Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand are urging Pacific nations to look to them for support in the face of China's pursuit of greater influence in the region.

Transcript

00:00 Escaping the chill of Wellington's windy winter air,

00:04 local Maori custodians welcome their Trans-Tasman guest,

00:10 the warmest of embraces reserved for the closest of friends.

00:15 It's great to be able to formally welcome you here to the New Zealand Parliament.

00:18 There are no two countries in the world that are closer than Australia and New Zealand.

00:23 2023 marks 50 years since the Trans-Tasman travel arrangement was put in place,

00:28 allowing freedom of movement between the two countries for their citizens.

00:32 Relaxing the rules even further, a possibility, just not right now.

00:36 We haven't looked at a Trans-Tasman passport.

00:39 What we are looking at though is making a seamless experience.

00:46 We've asked that working group to report back by the 30th of June next year.

00:51 The leaders' gaze lifting to their neighbours in the Pacific,

00:54 trying to steer small island states away from China's overtures.

00:58 When Australia provides aid and support to our neighbours,

01:04 there aren't strings attached.

01:06 We do that because we are part of the Pacific family.

01:09 Matters of family closer to home may be difficult issues for friends to discuss.

01:14 The referendum in Australia is a matter for the Australian people.

01:17 But New Zealand's leader believes his country's own experiences

01:20 recognising First Nations can be instructive for Australia.

01:24 Many people would look back on them and wonder what was so controversial about them

01:28 because the reconciliation process has ultimately been very positive.

01:33 The referendum still months away, for now more immediate concerns.

01:37 While the two leaders have been keen to spruik the deep ties between Australia and New Zealand today,

01:42 nothing symbolises that more at this very moment

01:45 than the fact that they are co-hosting the FIFA Women's Football World Cup.

01:49 Anthony Albanese and Chris Hipkins even managing to sit down and share a beer after a day of talks.

01:55 I wish you all the best, unless we play each other.

01:57 That's right.

01:58 A strong bond only tested by white-line fever.

02:02 [BLANK_AUDIO]

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