New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has sent a congratulatory message to Anthony Albanese following the Labor Party’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 to congratulate Albanese on his victory, revealing to the New Zealand Herald that she praised the 59-year-old over the phone.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (left) sent a congratulatory message to Anthony Albanese following the Labor Party’s election victory.
‘I spoke to Anthony Albanese… as he was preparing to address his fans. “It was a warm conversation and I look forward to formally meeting him soon,” the Labor leader said in a statement.
“Anthony and I have had the opportunity to meet before and I have no doubt that we will have a strong working relationship that will be useful to both countries,” he added.
Ms Adern called Australia “New Zealand’s most important partner, our only official ally and our single economic market relationship” and expressed his belief that both nations will now work “even more closely together in these tumultuous times.”
The Prime Minister of New Zealand outlined her hopes for the future with Albanese and the issues she would like to see both countries address together.
“I look forward to meeting 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, further facilitating trans-Tasman business, deepening our partnership with our close friends in the Pacific, and promote our interests on the world stage.’
He stated that Australia and New Zealand were at their “best” when both nations “worked together”; when we recognize our mutual interests, our shared values, and the uniqueness of our perspectives; when we stand together as allies and whānau, recognizing the strength of our diversity.’
Jacinda Ardern was one of several world leaders to congratulate Albanese on his victory, revealing to the New Zealand Herald that she praised the 59-year-old over the phone.
Ms Adern called Australia “New 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 National Party leader Christopher Luxon also congratulated the Prime Minister-designate in a statement.
‘I have met Anthony Albanese several times and always found him friendly, open and engaged. “He will be 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 via social media, and many more leaders are expected to call 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 fruits of our extensive Free Trade Agreement, the AUKUS partnership and the unparalleled closeness between the British and Australian people.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (pictured) tweeted a congratulatory message to 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 achieving results for the people of our two 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 look forward to building on that with you, moving forward with progressive ideas, addressing climate change, and achieving results for the people of our two countries.”
Trudeau also extended his best wishes to Scott Morrison, thanking him for his “valuable partnership” and wishing him the best for his future.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi weighed in and wrote: ‘Congratulations @AlboMP on the victory of the Australian Labor Party and your election as Prime Minister!’
“I look forward to working to further strengthen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region,” he added.