Australia-New Zealand Foreign Ministerial Consultations Confirmed Warm Relationship of the Countries
Bianual Consultations were chaired by Marise Payne and Winston Peters
February 22nd, 2019
On February 8th the biannual meeting of Foreign Ministers of Australia and New Zealand took place. The Consultations served as a confirmation of warm relationships and links between both Australia and New Zealand, as well as a platform to discuss the common interests in the Pacific and the likeminded approach to global issues.
As the countries strartegic interests are very similar, the meeting served as acknowledgement of the common approach concerning the Pacific area. The key theme of the discussion was the partnership with Pacific countries to invest in the security and prosperity of the area. Australia’s commitment to the Pacific is reflected in new initiatives such the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific and the expansion of the Pacific Labour Scheme.
The consultation between Australia and New Zealand are traditionally frank, open and direct and this year´s meeting was not an exception. Semi-formal encounter of high representatives of the New Zealand and Australia helps to broaden and strengthen good relationships between the countries and promote cultural similarities which might be a base for further negotiation.
