Not only promoting bilateral relations, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's visit to Australia (from August 15-16) also shows Wellington's ambition to expand its influence in the region.
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| New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon meets with his counterpart Anthony Albanese today, August 16. (Source: ABC News) |
New Zealand's geographical isolation from other continents gives it a special relationship with its neighbour Australia, which is perhaps New Zealand's closest partner and one of its few formal allies.
It is therefore no surprise that Australia is New Zealand's most important economic partner and largest investor, with bilateral trade reaching more than $31 billion last year.
In the context of weak economic growth, high interest rates, rising unemployment with up to 27,000 New Zealanders leaving the country to make a living in Australia, strengthening ties with Canberra has become an urgent requirement for Wellington.
During the meeting in Canberra, Mr. Luxon focused on discussing with his counterpart Anthony Albanese about improving bilateral economic cooperation, experience in implementing large infrastructure projects, strengthening the alliance and expanding the security partnership between the two countries.
In addition, through cooperation with Canberra, Wellington also wants to expand its influence, especially in the Asia- Pacific region. Last July, after attending the NATO Summit in the US, Australia and New Zealand met with Japan and South Korea to discuss regional and global challenges.
New Zealand and Australia are also collaborating on a project to establish humanitarian relief depots across the Pacific to deal with natural risks and hazards. The two countries will invest NZ$47.5 million in this project.
In addition, New Zealand is also considering joining the second pillar of the US, UK and Australia Security Agreement (AUKUS) related to quantum technology, artificial intelligence (AI), hypersonics, etc. These important fields are expected to strengthen New Zealand's potential.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/new-zealand-vuon-tam-anh-huong-khu-vuc-282683.html
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