New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has issued a message of congratulations to Anthony Albanese after Labor’s election victory.
Anthony Albanese emerged victorious on Saturday night, becoming Australia’s 31st Prime Minister and ending the Coalition’s nine-year reign.
Jacinda Ardern was one of several world leaders who has congratulated Mr Albanese on his win, revealing to the New Zealand Herald that she commended the 59-year-old over the phone.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (left) has issued a message of congratulations to Anthony Albanese after Labor’s election victory
‘I spoke to Anthony Albanese … as he was preparing to address his supporters. it was a warm conversation and I’m really looking forward to formally meeting with him soon,’ the fellow Labor Leader said in a statement.
‘Anthony and I have had the chance to meet before and I have no doubt we’ll have a strong working relationship that will serve both countries,’ she added.
Ms Adern labelled Australia as News Zealand’s ‘most important partner our only official ally and single economic market relationship’ and expressed her belief that both nations will now work ‘even more closely together in these tumultuous times’.
The New Zealand Prime Minister outlined her hopes for the future with Mr Albanese and what issues she would like both countries to tackle together.
‘I hope to meet Prime Minister Albanese in the near future, and look forward to working with him on a range of issues including supporting New Zealanders living in Australia, making transtasman business even easier, deepening our partnership with our close friends in the Pacific, and advancing our interests on the world stage.’
She stated that Australia and New Zealand were at their ‘best’ when both nations ‘work together; when we acknowledge our mutual interests, our shared values and the uniqueness of our perspectives; when we stand united as allies and whānau, recognising the strength in our diversity’.
Jacinda Ardern was one of several world leaders who has congratulated Mr Albanese on his win, revealing to the New Zealand Herald that she commended the 59-year-old over the phone
Ms Adern labelled Australia as News Zealand’s ‘most important partner our only official ally and single economic market relationship’ and expressed her belief that both nations will work ‘even more closely together in these tumultuous times’
New Zealand’s National Party leader Christopher Luxon also congratulated the Prime Minister-designate in a statement.
‘I have met Anthony Albanese several times and I always found him to be friendly, open and engaged. He will make a good partner for New Zealand and we look forward to working with him in the future,’ he said.
Other world leaders extended their congratulations through social media, with many more leaders expected to call Mr Albanese in the coming days.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: ‘Congratulations @AlboMP on your election as Prime Minister of Australia.’
‘I look forward to working with you as we reap the rewards of our comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, the AUKUS partnership and the unmatched closeness between the British and Australian people.’
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (pictured) tweeted a message of congratulations to Mr Albanese and said he looked forward to working with him
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (pictured) wrote that he looked forward to ‘moving forward with progressive ideas, tackling climate change, and delivering results for people in both our countries’ in his message to the Labor Leader
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote: ‘Congratulations, @AlboMP, on being elected Prime Minister of Australia’.
‘Our countries are close friends – and I’m looking forward to building on that with you, moving forward with progressive ideas, tackling climate change, and delivering results for people in both our countries.’
Mr Trudeau also offered his well wishes to Scott Morrison, thanking him for his ‘valuable partnership’ and wishing him the best for his future.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi chimed in, writing, ‘Congratulations @AlboMP for the victory of the Australian Labor Party, and your election as the Prime Minister!’
‘I look forward to working towards further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and for shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region,’ he added.