Australia's new foreign minister Penny Wong will visit Wellington this week for her first formal sit-down with New Zealand counterpart, Nanaia Mahuta.
Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Mahuta said the formal bilateral talks on Thursday woulf be an opportunity to talk about new ways to advance the trans-Tasman relationship.
The pair are expected to discuss Australia's climate change agenda and "broader Pacific challenges", as well as the war in Ukraine.
"At a regional level, the number one security issue for the Pacific is the impact of climate change. I look forward to talking to the new Foreign Minister in more detail on Australia's climate change agenda, and further ways we can assist Pacific Island nations on mitigation and adaptation measures," Mahuta said.
"On broader Pacific challenges, Aotearoa New Zealand seeks to elevate the Pacific Island voice, and support collaboration and partnership through established institutions, especially the Pacific Islands Forum.
Mahuta was looking forward to hearing about Wong's recent trip to the Pacific and discussing New Zealand's efforts to support economic resilience and labour mobility in the Pacific.
"There will be a range of other foreign policy matters discussed with Senator Wong including the importance of indigenous perspectives in foreign policy, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, and global issues such as Russia's aggression in Ukraine."