This week, Jacinda Ardern will go to Australia, where she will meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the first time on Australian territory.
On Thursday night in Sydney, the leaders of New Zealand and Australia will meet informally before holding bilateral talks on Friday.
‘The New Zealand-Australia connection is like family,’ Ms Ardern said.
‘I am very much looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Albanese in person following our recent phone conversations.
‘I’m sure it’ll be the first of many, as New Zealand and Australia continue to work closely together in the face of growing difficulties.’
For the second time in 32 years, the gathering brings together leaders from centre-left governments on both sides of the Tasman Sea.
Ms Ardern and former Prime Minister Scott Morrison have already met informally through Labor-Labour networks and formally in offshoot meetings during Ms Ardern’s interactions with Mr Morrison.
Mr Albanese contacted Ms Ardern from his car on his way to give his election-night victory speech, demonstrating the warmth of their friendship.