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Summary
- Post the meeting with the US Chamber of Commerce, NZ PM Jacinda Ardern spoke to the media on the issues discussed.
- The Government is determined to enhance its economic ties with the US.
- NZ is focused on maintaining stability in the region and has its own independent foreign policy.
- Claims on the rift among the Five Eyes alliance members were negated.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had a conversation with the United States Chamber of Commerce (USCC) on Thursday in Auckland regarding issues like the relationship between NZ and the US, and also the current regional economic and security developments.
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Meeting With the US Chamber of Commerce
The meeting was held via a Zoom call wherein Myron Brilliant, executive vice-president of USCC, interviewed Ardern on various topics, including the coronavirus pandemic response and recovery, NZ’s priorities on Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) host year, climate issues, regional economic and security developments, as well as Wellington’s relationship with the US.
NZ Prime Minister expressed the desire to expand economic ties with the US and strengthen both the countries' relationship.
It is noted that the US is NZ’s 3rd-biggest business partner with more than NZ$16-billion trade between the two countries.
Must Read: New Zealand’s trade balance positive for first time in 10 years
NZ Continues To Work In National Interest With An Independent Foreign Policy
While addressing the media post meeting, Ardern stated that the Five Eyes alliance would always remain of prime importance to New Zealand. NZ will continue to work on issues related to human rights and democracy along with its partners, she said.
However, it will also raise its concerns, if any, as New Zealand has its own independent foreign policy and is focused on the nation's interests and values.
Do Not Miss Reading: What made New Zealand unhappy about Five eyes Alliance growth ?
NZ’s relations between Five Eyes Alliance and China
In relation to the current relationship strain between China and the Five Eyes group members, the NZ PM refuted the claims of any diplomatic tension among its alliance members.
It is pointed out that a few days back, a unanimous vote of motion was passed in the UK Parliament for the savage treatment of the Uyghurs in the Xinjiang province of China. The House of Commons declared that as a genocide and a crime against humanity.
Moreover, the New Zealand Government was criticised for not taking a stand against China on the latter's ill-treatment of the Uighurs in Xinjiang.
Must Read: Ardern denounced as UK MPs announce genocide in China
When questioned on the above issue and the pressurised US and Chinese ties, Ardern, however, expressed that the Kiwi nation had always and would continue to promote stability in the region through its foreign policy approach. The policy was also focused on abiding by the international laws, codes of democracy, as well as the principles of human rights.
She also mentioned that the recent meetings between the US and China were constructive and positive.
Talks About Other Issues
The NZ PM also commented about various other issues pertaining to the nation like the ongoing vaccine roll-out programme across the country, wherein the target numbers were continuously released by the government and exceeded expectations.
Ardern also mentioned the government's concern over the rising house prices. She said the government was focused and was working towards affordable housing for its people.
