Just earlier this month, the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand met for their annual meet-up. The mood has been described as ‘far from frosty’ by global media outlets. The leaders engaged in meticulous discussions on a number of pressing matters.
It is Anthony Albanese and Christopher Luxon’s second annual meeting, after the latter visited Canberra in 2024. But the leaders’ relationship goes far beyond their time as Prime Ministers. Let us understand.
The pair first crossed paths as Luxon used to be the Chief Executive of Air New Zealand and Albanese had a role to play as the Transport Minister of Australia. Both countries share a long and close friendship, and things appear to be the same, especially in today’s global uncertainty.
Australia and New Zealand are family. In a more uncertain world, our bond matters more than ever.
By working together, we can create jobs and grow both our economies.
We’re making it easier for businesses to invest and operate on both sides of the Tasman.
And we’ll continue… pic.twitter.com/UuoAaS5LLY
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) August 9, 2025
Luxon and Albanese take a common stance on multiple international issues
Anthony Albanese and Christopher Luxon met again earlier this month. Their face-to-face meeting comes against a backdrop of record numbers of New Zealand people leaving for Australia in search of better opportunities.
In the meantime, Australia has also been deporting a number of people carrying criminal convictions back to the friendly nation under its contentious 501 deportation policy. This time, though, the leaders focused more on strengthening their friendship.
The Prime Ministers stood together on multiple international issues, including Israel’s latest plans to take control of Gaza, China’s expansion in the Pacific and US tariffs under President Donald Trump’s administration.
