Excerpts from the AUNZ FM meeting today:
The Ministers noted that the close friendship between the two nations is more essential than ever for the security and well-being of our citizens. Ministers recognised that Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia are at their best when they stand united as allies, cooperating closely while embracing the strength their diversity brings.
The Ministers acknowledged the close cooperation between Australia and New Zealand to support a stable, prosperous and resilient Indo-Pacific region amid sharper global challenges. The Ministers discussed their concerns at the growing strategic competition in the Pacific region. They noted the long traditions within the region of working collectively to meet security needs, including under the Biketawa Declaration and the Boe Declaration. They underlined the importance of consultation on security measures within the region, and looked ahead to discussions on regional security among Pacific Islands Forum members.
The Ministers reiterated the unique role of the Pacific Islands Forum and its architecture, and were optimistic that a pathway to maintain the unity of the Forum is in sight. They warmly welcomed the sustained efforts of Pacific leaders in support of the Forum, and recognised recent progress as a demonstration of the ‘Pacific Way’ of respectful dialogue and consensus.
Ministers agreed on the need to place the perspectives and priorities of Pacific island nations at the forefront of both countries’ engagement in the Pacific, and called on other development partners to adopt the same approach. ...
The Ministers noted current threats to the rules-based order, and the risks to stability and prosperity for our Pacific family and globally. Ministers acknowledged the importance of working together against these risks, and reiterated their shared commitment to international cooperation, including through effective, transparent and balanced multilateral institutions.
This afternoon, Mahuta said when asked about China's move to extend military actions in the Taiwan Strait: "We have experienced a real challenge in terms of China's influence across the Indo-Pacific region".
In her recent meeting with China's foreign minister, Mahuta laid out New Zealand's views that "we want greater stability and peace to be the priority" in the region.
As for Australia, it supported the status quo in relation to Taiwan, Wong said.
"We want a strong working relationship, a close working relationship with the government of New Zealand."
The relationship was essential to the wellbeing of the citizens of the two nations, she said.
"We see New Zealand as family and we see our partnership as indispensible."
The Pacific Island Forum was of central importance to both Australia and New Zealand and both nations would use the forum to promote peace, prosperity, stability, Wong said.
Wong also said they would advocate for rules being applicable to "all nations regardless of their size"
Mahuta said New Zealand and Australia must broaden their relationship in order to support the Pacific nations and their aspirations.
The two countries' partnership in supporting the Pacific would include joint practical action on issues such as climate change, Mahuta said.
Wong said the issue of sustainable debt financing in developing Pacific nations was of interest to both New Zealand and Australia.
Unsustainable debt financing poses a risk to sovereignty, choice, stability and potentially the security of the Pacific region, she said.
It is beginning to look like that this government is taking the PRC threat to the region seriously. But looking like and doing are two completely different stories and we'll have to wait and see.
