New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern returns to Australia for leaders’ meeting

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is about to return to Australia for her second visit since the federal election.

Anthony Albanese will warmly welcome New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern back to Australia.

Ms Ardern will be in Sydney from Wednesday to Friday and will attend a leadership forum with the Australian Prime Minister, accompanied by a delegation of Kiwi business leaders.

Mr Albanese’s parliamentary office on Monday evening confirmed the details of Ms Ardern’s visit — her second since Mr Albanese took office.

Economic links, regional security, Indigenous co-operation, migration settings, economic recovery and climate change are on the list of topics to be discussed by the two prime ministers.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is heading back to Australia. Picture: John Sibley – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Mr Albanese said he was delighted to welcome Ms Ardern back to Australia, along with a delegation of government and business leaders who will join them at the Australia New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting.

“This will be our second bilateral meeting in the past month, which is a reflection of the closeness of our trans-Tasman relationship. It truly is one of family,” he said.

“I look forward to discussing ways to strengthen Australia’s bond with one of our closest neighbours.”

The leaders’ forum will be held for the first time since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Albanese government says the meeting is also an opportunity to set the agenda for trans-Tasman co-operation into 2023.

Australia and New Zealand will next year celebrate 40 years since their Closer Economic Relations trade agreement was inked, as well as 80 years of mutual diplomatic representation.