Off the wire
• Aussie dollar rises on news of new prime minister  • Tokyo stocks open modestly higher  • English Premier League results  • Longest volcanic chain in world discovered off Australia's eastern coast  • Dollar trades in lower 120 yen range in early Tokyo deals  • Xinhua world news summary at 0030 GMT, Sept. 15  • World's best archers prepare for Rio test event  • Interview: Cooperation on climate change a milestone in U.S.-China ties  • Venezuela denies violation of Colombian airspace  • UN chief underscores need to reach "final status agreement" after latest escalation of violence in Jerusalem  
You are here: 　 Home

New Zealand PM confident of strong relationship with new Australian leader

Xinhua, September 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on Tuesday congratulated Malcolm Turnbull on becoming Australia's new prime minister, saying the two countries' close relationship would continue.

"Australia remains New Zealand's closest bilateral partner. We enjoy close ties in all areas of our relationship, including in the trade, economic, defense and sporting areas, and I am looking forward to working with Turnbull to advance that," Key said in a statement.

"I would also like to acknowledge the positive relationship I have had with Tony Abbott. He has been a good friend to New Zealand. He has visited twice this year and our discussions have always been productive," he said.

"I am confident that the close relationship between New Zealand and Australia will continue under Turnbull's leadership."

Turnbull, who was elected leader of Australia's ruling Liberal Party on Monday, has cited Key as a leader to emulate.

"New Zealand Prime Minister John Key is the model for explaining complex issues and making the case for change, achieving significant economic reforms," Turnbull reportedly said. Endi