Jacinda Ardern formally welcomed to Australia. (Photo: RNZ/Chris Bramwell).

02 March 2018

Chris Bramwell  – Deputy Political Editor in Sydney

Ms Ardern and her partner Clarke Gayford were greeted at Admiralty House by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

A 19-gun salute announced Ms Ardern’s arrival, before a military band played New Zealand’s national anthem.

The New Zealand delegation were greeted by a guard of honour of Australian Army, Air Force and Navy personnel, inspected by Ardern on a large, sloping lawn opening out to a pristine view of the Sydney Opera House.

Ms Ardern and Mr Turnbull held a quick on-on-one meeting before they went into formal talks with officials, which were expected to last just over an hour.

At the start of the formal meeting, Malcolm Turnbull said the friendship and partnership between the two countries was enduring and was getting closer all the time.

During their one-on-one meeting, Mr Turnbull said important strategic matters were discussed, like the two countries joint missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Jacinda Ardern in Australia. (Photo: RNZ/Chris Bramwell).

“Fundamentally, our alliance … is built on shared values, that’s the most important thing.

“Shared values, democracy, the rule of law, freedom, the enterprise of Kiwis and Australians working together.”

Ms Ardern thanked Mr Turnbull for the welcome, and his hospitality at his home last night.

She said they had a lot to discuss, including regional matters and their economic relationship.

She said the two countries’ shared values were the “foundation” for their talks, and she believed they had a chance to strengthen their economic ties even further.

Ms Ardern said she wanted to nail down a work programme for the next 12 months between the two countries.

The two leaders will hold a joint media conference in about an hour’s time before heading to the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum.

[Read the Radio NZ article].