Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will travel to Sydney on Thursday for her first in-person meeting with newly elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as Australia and New Zealand confront "a world of increasing challenges".
Finance Minister Grant Robertson is also crossing the ditch to meet his new counterpart, Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers, and discuss the two countries' economic ties.
Ardern will be the first foreign head of government to meet with Albanese in Australia since his Labor party was elected to power in late May. However, Albanese has already met with a number of world leaders offshore, including US President Joe Biden in Japan just days after the Australian Federal Election.
"We are fortunate to be close neighbours who share common values, history, personal connections, and business relationships," Ardern said.
"This meeting also comes at an important moment in our reconnecting programme, as for New Zealanders and New Zealand businesses alike, Australia is a source of prosperity, labour, tourism, innovation, science and knowledge."
It also comes at a time of elevated tensions in the Pacific. China is seeking to expand its presence in the region, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi currently touring Pacific Island nations. His proposal of a region-wide trade and security deal has been rejected by leaders, but Wang has secured a number of smaller one-on-one country arrangements.
Both New Zealand and Australia have raised concerns about China's security deal earlier this year with the Solomon Islands, saying that Pacific nations should look for support from within their region.
Ardern said New Zealand and Australia will "continue to cooperate closely in a world of increasing challenges". She expects to discuss "developments in our region", including climate change, the US' Indo Pacific Economic Framework, AUKUS, and the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum.
"New Zealand and Australia work exceptionally well together on the international stage to achieve our common goals and I know we will continue to advocate for a more stable and resilient region, defend and advance the multilateral rules-based system, and maintain momentum on our world-leading economic integration."
She will also raise the usual sticking points between New Zealand and Australia, including 501 deportations.
Ardern also announced on Monday that Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa will visit New Zealand later in June, 60 years after the Treaty of Friendship between the two countries was signed.
"Aotearoa New Zealand is first and foremost a Pacific nation and we value the strength of our relationship with our Pacific family. I am delighted that Prime Minister of Samoa's first official bilateral overseas visit will be to New Zealand."
The Samoan Prime Minister will be officially welcomed on June 14 and she will attend a number of community and official engagements alongside Ardern and other ministers.
"This is a significant year for Samoa as it celebrates 60 years of independence on 1 June, and 60 years since the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between Samoa and Aotearoa New Zealand on 1 August," Ardern said.
"The Treaty underpins our relationship and pledges that both countries work together to promote the welfare of the people of Samoa and was, in fact, signed by Naomi Mata'afa's father and Samoa's first Prime Minister, Fiame Mata'afa Faumuina Mulinu'u II."
She said "key issues affecting our region" will be discussed. Samoa was one of the nations to sign a new agreement with China last month that will see the two nations have "greater collaboration".
Robertson, Ardern's deputy and the Finance Minister, will also travel to Australia on Thursday to meet with the country's new Treasurer.
"Both Australia and New Zealand's economies are being challenged by global headwinds, including higher inflation, supply chain constraints, the ongoing COVID pandemic and the war in Ukraine," he said.
"The Australian Government has also indicated it will introduce wellbeing aspects into the Australian budget process, which New Zealand has been doing since 2019, so I am keen to discuss the Treasurer's plans."
He will also meet with Costco and Fortescue Future Industries "to hear their plans for business in both New Zealand and Australia, and discuss opportunities in their respective sectors", as well as others with interests in New Zealand.
The Prime Minister will return on Friday night, while Robertson will return on Saturday.
