Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, on his trip to Australia in February, 2023. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will make his first official visit to New Zealand next week.
His trip to Wellington will mark a year of anniversaries, including 40 years of the Closer Economic Relations free trade agreement.
"I believe that the trans-Tasman relationship is the strongest it has been in decades," New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said.
"In both Australia and Prime Minister Albanese, New Zealand has a close friend and ally, so I'm very pleased to host him here during this year of milestone anniversaries."
On top of the trade anniversary, this year marks 50 years of the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement and 80 years of diplomatic representation.
Hipkins said the visit was a chance to recognise past trans-Tasman achievements, celebrate the progress made this year and set ambition for where both countries want to go next.
"This visit will provide me with another opportunity to thank Prime Minister Albanese for his instrumental role in one of this year's major achievements: the announcement of the new direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders living in Australia, which came into effect this month."
While in Wellington, the two prime ministers will celebrate New Zealand and Australia co-hosting of the FIFA Women's World Cup, which kicks off on 20 July.
Albanese's visit will take place from 26-27 July.