The Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand are urging Pacific nations to look to them for support in the face of China's pursuit of greater influence in the region.
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00:00 Escaping the chill of Wellington's windy winter air,
00:04 local Maori custodians welcome their Trans-Tasman guest,
00:10 the warmest of embraces reserved for the closest of friends.
00:15 It's great to be able to formally welcome you here to the New Zealand Parliament.
00:18 There are no two countries in the world that are closer than Australia and New Zealand.
00:23 2023 marks 50 years since the Trans-Tasman travel arrangement was put in place,
00:28 allowing freedom of movement between the two countries for their citizens.
00:32 Relaxing the rules even further, a possibility, just not right now.
00:36 We haven't looked at a Trans-Tasman passport.
00:39 What we are looking at though is making a seamless experience.
00:46 We've asked that working group to report back by the 30th of June next year.
00:51 The leaders' gaze lifting to their neighbours in the Pacific,
00:54 trying to steer small island states away from China's overtures.
00:58 When Australia provides aid and support to our neighbours,
01:04 there aren't strings attached.
01:06 We do that because we are part of the Pacific family.
01:09 Matters of family closer to home may be difficult issues for friends to discuss.
01:14 The referendum in Australia is a matter for the Australian people.
01:17 But New Zealand's leader believes his country's own experiences
01:20 recognising First Nations can be instructive for Australia.
01:24 Many people would look back on them and wonder what was so controversial about them
01:28 because the reconciliation process has ultimately been very positive.
01:33 The referendum still months away, for now more immediate concerns.
01:37 While the two leaders have been keen to spruik the deep ties between Australia and New Zealand today,
01:42 nothing symbolises that more at this very moment
01:45 than the fact that they are co-hosting the FIFA Women's Football World Cup.
01:49 Anthony Albanese and Chris Hipkins even managing to sit down and share a beer after a day of talks.
01:55 I wish you all the best, unless we play each other.
01:57 That's right.
01:58 A strong bond only tested by white-line fever.
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