Anthony Albanese set for one-day trip to New Zealand for talks with Christopher Luxon
The Prime Minister will depart on Saturday morning for a short international trip before returning on Sunday afternoon.
While Mr Albanese is not expected to use the trip to share any major announcements, conversations with Mr Luxon will focus on strengthening defence and security co-operation, and economic ties, like the Single Economic Market policy which reduces business and economic regulations between the two countries.
The leaders will also speak about issues in the Pacific and other international issues.
The Israel-Gaza war will likely be discussed following Israel's Security Council approving plans for a takeover of Gaza City, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong warning that the permanent forced displacement of Gazans would amount to a violation of international law.
Like Australia, New Zealand also doesn't recognise Palestinian statehood, however it also supports a two-state solution and has called for Israel to increase the amount of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza.
Speaking more broadly about Australia's bond with New Zealand ahead of the trip, Mr Albanese said the relationship was 'unmatched'.
'I am delighted to visit New Zealand to meet with Prime Minister Luxon for our annual leaders' meeting,' he said.
'I look forward to discussing how we can work together to build on our Single Economic Market, modernise the rules-based trading system, deepen our alliance, and back our Pacific partners.'
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