Jacinda Ardern congratulates Anthony Albanese as he is named Australia’s Prime Minister: ‘We’ll have a strong working relationship’
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has issued a message of congratulations to Anthony Albanese after Labor’s election victory.
Anthony Albanese emerged victorious on Saturday night, becoming Australia’s 31st Prime Minister and ending the coalition’s nine-year reign.
Jacinda Ardern was one of several world leaders who has congratulated Mr Albanese on his win, revealing to the New Zealand Herald that she commended the 59-year-old over the phone.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (left) has issued a message of congratulations to Anthony Albanese after Labor’s election victory
‘I spoke to Anthony Albanese … as he was preparing to address his supporters. it was a warm conversation and I’m really looking forward to formally meeting with him soon,’ the fellow Labor Leader said in a statement.
‘Anthony and I have had the chance to meet before and I have no doubt we’ll have a strong working relationship that will serve both countries,’ she added.
Ms Adern labelled Australia as News Zealand’s ‘most important partner our only official ally and single economic market relationship’ and expressed her belief that both nations will work ‘even more closely together in these tumultuous times’.
The New Zealand Prime Minister outlined her hopes for the future with Mr Albanese and what issues she would like both countries to work together on.
‘I hope to meet Prime Minister Albanese in the near future, and look forward to working with him on a range of issues including supporting New Zealanders living in Australia, making transtasman business even easier, deepening our partnership with our close friends in the Pacific, and advancing our interests on the world stage.’
She stated that Australia and New Zealand were at their ‘best’ when both nations ‘work together; when we acknowledge our mutual interests, our shared values and the uniqueness of our perspectives; when we stand united as allies and whānau, recognising the strength in our diversity’.
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