Albo, Luxton reaffirm Gaza ceasefire call
The two leaders met in Queenstown, New Zealand, on Saturday for an annual trans-Tasman meeting, telling reporters they'd discussed economic and defence co-operation, movement between the neighbouring countries and global issues.
Pressed on recognition of a Palestinian state, both men restated longstanding positions of a two-state solution, while emphasising a desire for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Anthony Albanese said recognition of Palestine was a question of 'when, not if' for Australia.
'Prime Minister Luxton and I also discussed the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Today we reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire, the end of suffering and starvation in Gaza and the release of all hostages,' he said. The Australian Prime Minister joked the last time he was in Queenstown was 'last century' with a backpack on. Instagram Credit: Supplied
Speaking of what he believed Australians wanted to see in the conflict, Mr Albanese said: 'they want to see peace in the region'.
'They want to see a ceasefire, they want to see the killing stop, they want to see hostages released,' he said.
'The second thing they want is they don't want conflict brought to Australia either and so we, for a long period of time, there's been a bipartisan position of support for two states.'
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxton echoed his counterpart's remarks, saying his county 'clearly' continues to advocate for a two-state solution.
He told reporters he believed military action was not the way to solve the dispute, saying it required diplomacy and dialogue.
'I think all New Zealanders, all Australians would be horrified by what they see on the news and it's certainly plumbed new levels and that's why you've seen both of our Foreign Ministers sign up to a statement today with other countries today as well … to make that very clear,' Mr Luxton said.
'We are both a long way away from this conflict, we have limited influence, we have limited trade in the region and we have a set of values that we stand up for and we do what we can through advocating those values.' New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon addressed the Australian delegation. NewsWire/ Miles Holden Credit: News Corp Australia
Both Mr Albanese and Mr Luxton said their decisions on Palestinian recognition were independent of the United States' tariff talk.
'No, we have an independent foreign policy, as does 194 other countries,' The New Zealand Prime Minister said.
'Australia has exactly the same position,' Mr Albanese said.
'As a sovereign nation, we make our decisions.'
The two leaders' comments come just hours after the Foreign Ministers of New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement opposing Israel's decision to take control of Gaza City through renewed military action.
'It will aggravate the catastrophic humanitarian situation, endanger the lives of the hostages, and further risk the mass displacement of civilians,' the statement reads. Mr Albanese received a Powhiri, a ceremonial welcome, in Queenstown ahead of the talks. NewsWire/ Miles Holden Credit: News Corp Australia
Speaking about what was discussed during the Australia-New Zealand Leaders' Meeting, Mr Albanese said the two leaders spoke about efforts to grow joint defence capability to 'contribute to peace and stability in our region' and opportunities to boost business collaboration and grow trans-Tasman trade and investment.
'Prime Minister Luxton and I agreed today to co-ordinate our reform programs, including his Going for Growth agenda, to make it easier for businesses to trade, invest and operate on either side of the Tasman,' he said.
'This compliments the work that Australia is doing, including the roundtable that we'll hold in a couple of weeks time.'
Mr Albanese is expected to return from the short international trip on Sunday afternoon.
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