DPM, foreign minister host first Australia–New Zealand Ministerial Consultations

Geopolitics & Policy

01 February 2024

By: Reporter

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong hosted the inaugural Australia–New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministers Consultations (ANZMIN) in Melbourne.

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ANZMIN 2024 is an opportunity to strengthen our partnership, advance our shared interests with Pacific partners, and deepen our defence interoperability at a time when the Indo-Pacific is rapidly deteriorating.

The respective ministers will meet their respective defence ministers’ meeting and foreign ministers’ consultations to discuss the two nations’ common strategic outlook and vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Honourable Richard Marles MP, welcomed the inaugural ANZMIN meetings, saying, “As our region is being reshaped, Australia and New Zealand are committed to ensuring our alliance evolves in line with our strategic circumstances, is responsive and fit for purpose, and that we listen and work with our Pacific partners.”

Foreign Minister, Senator the Honourable Penny Wong expanded on the comments made by the Deputy Prime Minister, saying, “As allies and partners in the region, we rely on each other for the security and wellbeing of our citizens, and our Pacific neighbours count on us to deliver for our shared interests.

“ANZMIN 2024 will chart a course for this new phase of our strategic partnership,” Minister Wong added.

It is expected that AUKUS will figure strongly in the bilateral meetings, with incumbent New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon expressing a strong desire to join Pillar II of the agreement to focus on the development of advanced technology sharing, including AI and cyber warfare, and military interoperability.

New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins told AAP, “I’ve already said to the Australian defence minister that we are interested ... I’m sure that’s something that we’ll discuss (on Thursday).”