NZ-US Ties: Luxon Says Work Possible Under Trump, Harris
New Zealand's National Party Leader, Christopher Luxon, has expressed confidence in maintaining strong ties with the United States despite potential political shifts in Washington. Luxon believes that a collaborative relationship is possible under both the potential return of Donald Trump and the continued leadership of Vice President Kamala Harris, who could succeed President Joe Biden.
Navigating Political Transitions
Luxon acknowledges the inherent uncertainty surrounding the 2024 US presidential election and the potential for a change in administration. However, he remains optimistic about New Zealand's ability to navigate any political transition while upholding its commitment to a strong and enduring partnership with the United States.
"Our relationship with the US is deep-rooted and transcends any particular individual or administration," Luxon stated, emphasizing the enduring foundations of the bilateral relationship.
Maintaining the Strategic Partnership
Luxon highlights the shared values and strategic interests that underpin the NZ-US partnership, including:
- Free and open trade: Both countries benefit from a robust economic relationship, exemplified by the USMCA trade agreement.
- Security and defense cooperation: New Zealand and the United States have a long history of working together on regional security and defense issues, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Climate change: Both countries have made strong commitments to tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development.
"We have a shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region," Luxon remarked, emphasizing the shared strategic interests that continue to bind New Zealand and the United States together.
A Focus on Practical Collaboration
Luxon emphasizes the importance of practical collaboration across various areas:
- Promoting innovation and technological advancements through collaboration on research and development initiatives.
- Strengthening trade and investment ties by exploring new opportunities for economic cooperation.
- Addressing shared global challenges, such as climate change and cyber security, through coordinated efforts.
"Our future success hinges on our ability to work together on these critical issues," Luxon asserted, stressing the importance of a collaborative approach to address shared challenges.
Looking Ahead
Despite the potential for political change in the United States, Luxon maintains a strong belief in the enduring strength of the NZ-US partnership. He emphasizes the shared values, strategic interests, and practical collaborations that will continue to guide the relationship, regardless of the political landscape in Washington.
"Our partnership is about much more than just politics; it's about the enduring bonds of shared values and interests," Luxon concluded, highlighting the deeper foundations that underpin the NZ-US relationship.
