Today we will host New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters MP and Defence Minister Judith Collins KC MP for our annual Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN 2+2) in Canberra.
These dialogues are an opportunity to shape our cooperation to respond to the demands of our region, including how we strengthen our Alliance.
Australia and New Zealand have a uniquely close bond and are working together across a range of foreign affairs, defence, economic and cultural interests.
In the face of growing strategic challenges, working in partnership with New Zealand to strengthen regional stability and energy security has never been more important.
In addition to the 2+2 meeting, the Australia-New Zealand Defence Ministers' Meeting and Foreign Ministers' Consultations will also be held in Canberra.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Collins will also visit the Australian War Memorial in recognition of our enduring ANZAC spirit.
Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles:
"Australia and New Zealand are fundamentally aligned across the challenges we face and are working together to advance our shared interests and those of our region.
"We are strengthening our defence partnership to become an increasingly integrated Anzac force in support of our shared interests and our common values.
"I look forward to discussing how we can further strengthen our defence and security Alliance."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:
"Australia and New Zealand's relationship is built upon generations of deep friendship, democratic values and a common outlook as Pacific countries.
"The trans-Tasman relationship is more important than ever as we work with our Pacific neighbours to respond to global developments and create a more peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
"We extend a warm welcome to our Kiwi counterparts - I look forward to discussing how we can deepen our cooperation to advance our shared interests and those of our region."
