PM meeting with Prime Minister of New Zealand: 5 May 2023
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Chris Hipkins, at Downing Street today.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Chris Hipkins, at Downing Street today ahead of His Majesty The King鈥檚 Coronation tomorrow.
The leaders welcomed the announcement that New Zealand and the UK鈥檚 Free Trade Agreement would come into force this month, agreeing it would unlock huge trading potential for both countries.
Reflecting on strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific, the leaders discussed the UK and New Zealand鈥檚 shared commitment to uphold stability in the region and how both countries could work closely with partners to improve economic resilience.
The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Hipkins for New Zealand鈥檚 strong commitment to Ukraine and the leaders discussed New Zealand鈥檚 contribution to Operation Interflex.
The tangible support offered by New Zealand through that programme was clearly making a difference on the battlefield in Ukraine, the Prime Minister said, welcoming Prime Minister Hipkin鈥檚 commitment to extend New Zealand鈥檚 training through to 2024.
The leaders also discussed the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which will be hosted in Samoa in 2024, and looked forward to working closely with Pacific partners to deliver a successful summit.