Jacinda Ardern touches down in Australia to meet Albo

Jacinda Ardern has touched down in Australia ahead of a dinner and formal meetings with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Jacinda Ardern has touched down in Sydney, becoming the first foreign leader to meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Australian shores.

Ms Ardern visited Kirribilli House for dinner with Mr Albanese on Thursday night before kicking off formal discussions on Friday.

The NZ PM suggested it was a chance to repair aspects of the trans-Tasman relationship after the Labor government took office in May.

The NZ PM will kick off formal discussions with Anthony Albanese on Friday following dinner at Kirribilli House on Thursday night. Picture: Supplied

“This is also an opportunity for new conversations to be had on aspects of the bilateral relationship that have been difficult for a number of years,” she told a New Zealand press conference on Tuesday, suggesting relations had soured under the former Liberal government.

Ms Ardern is the first foreign leader to meet with Anthony Albanese on Australian shores. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

The threat of China in the Indo-Pacific and climate change are expected to be hot topics, but Australia’s visa-cancellation policy will also be high on her agenda.

Section 501 of the Migration Act has proved cause for concern across the ditch, with a 2015 amendment -allowing visa-cancellation on character grounds – leading to hundreds of deportations.

So pleased to welcome my good friend New Zealand PM @jacindaardern to Australia. I’m looking forward to catching up over dinner. pic.twitter.com/Wilve6Gqn7

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) June 9, 2022

Both leaders, however, said they were looking forward to kicking off the next chapter of the important trans-Tasman connection.

Ms Ardern is looking forward to repairing elements of the trans-Tasman relationship. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Mr Albanese has described the New Zealand PM as a friend. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

“She’s been a friend of mine for some time,” Mr Albanese said this week.

“I look forward to catching up with her informally on Thursday night, and then for us to have a meeting on Friday.”

Ms Ardern said: “I can already say I have that relationship with the new Prime Minister and for me that will serve NZ well.

Australia’s controversial visa cancellation policy is high on the NZ PM’s agenda. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

“Because when disaster strikes, on either side of the Tasman, we’re often the first ones to be in touch with one another.”

Kirribilli House became available for the dinner date after Mr Morrison moved out of the traditional prime minister’s residence late last week.

Mr Albanese has opted against living at the harbourside mansion, instead choosing to reside at The Lodge in Canberra.