New Zealand’s Foreign Minister for Aotearoa, Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, and Australian Foreign Minister, Senator Penny Wong, met in Wellington today for the biannual Foreign Ministers’ Consultations Australia – New Zealand Aotearoa.

Minister Mahuta welcomed Minister Wong on her first official visit to Aotearoa New Zealand as Australia’s Foreign Minister, following last month’s federal election. Minister Wong’s visit follows Prime Minister Ardern’s visit to Australia on June 9-10 and his warm and positive discussions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Ministers welcomed the opportunity to meet in person for the first time to discuss trans-Tasman relations as well as a wide range of global issues.

Ministers noted that the close friendship between the two nations is more essential than ever for the safety and well-being of our citizens. Ministers recognized that Aotearoa, New Zealand and Australia are at their best when united as allies, cooperating closely while enjoying the strength that their diversity brings.

Ministers recognized the close cooperation between Australia and New Zealand to support a stable, prosperous and resilient Indo-Pacific region in the face of more acute global challenges. Ministers discussed their concerns over the growing strategic competition in the Pacific region. They noted the long traditions in the region of working collectively to address security needs, including within the framework of the Biketawa Declaration and the Boe Declaration. They stressed the importance of consultations on security arrangements in the region and scheduled discussions on regional security among members of the Pacific Islands Forum.

Ministers reiterated the unique role of the Pacific Islands Forum and its architecture, and expressed optimism that the unity of the Forum could be maintained. They warmly welcomed the continued efforts of Pacific leaders in support of the Forum, and recognized recent progress as a demonstration of the “Pacific Way” of respectful dialogue and consensus.

Ministers agreed on the need to place the perspectives and priorities of Pacific island nations at the forefront of both countries’ engagement in the Pacific and called on other development partners to adopt the same approach.

Ministers noted the clear and consistent message from Pacific island nations that climate change is the most critical challenge facing them. They noted the responsibility of governments to act with ambition and urgency for the benefit of the peoples of the Pacific and the world. Ministers recognized the transition that Aotearoa, New Zealand and Australia needed to undertake in their economies. They also recognized the need to work together to accelerate climate action and support the ambitions of Pacific island countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase climate resilience.

Ministers also discussed their shared commitment to working with Pacific island nations to address the complex issues facing the region. Ministers agreed on the need for increased cooperation to support the Pacific’s economic recovery from COVID-19 as borders reopen, strengthen gender equality and women’s empowerment in the region and provide funding effective climate.

Ministers noted the current threats to the rules-based order and the risks to the stability and prosperity of our Pacific family and the world. Ministers recognized the importance of working together against these risks and reaffirmed their common commitment to international cooperation, including through effective, transparent and balanced multilateral institutions.

Ministers redoubled their commitment to ensure that human rights are protected, respected and promoted globally. They stressed the importance of working together on issues reflecting shared values, such as gender equality and the promotion and protection of the rights of First Nations peoples, persons with disabilities and LGBTIQA+ people, including in multilateral forums.

Ministers discussed the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives and celebrating the unique role of First Nations peoples in foreign policy. They agreed to work together as Australia develops a First Nations foreign policy.

Ministers agreed on the need to work with other partners to form broad coalitions on issues of common interest. They welcomed the recent launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity in Tokyo. They spoke of the strength of the multilateral system and the international community in holding Russia accountable for its unlawful invasion of Ukraine, including its suspension from the Human Rights Council due to gross and egregious violations of human rights. ‘man.

Ministers agreed to maintain momentum and focus on our leading economic integration as Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand look to the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Closer Economic Relations (CER) trade agreement in 2023.

Ministers also discussed the situation of New Zealanders living and working in Australia. They noted the positive discussions between Prime Minister Ardern and Prime Minister Albanese on these issues.