NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Downing St. on Friday (local time). It was her first visit to the UK since the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meeting, Jacinda Ardern wears an Emilia Wickstead dress almost identical to one worn by Kate Middleton.
They discussed important topics like the Free Trade Agreement, the Working Holiday Scheme, and Youth Mobility Scheme. The ratification of a free trade agreement between their countries, which was signed in February but has yet to come into force.
NZ PM said she wanted to use her visit to invite tourists to New Zealand.
In a joint statement after the meeting, Ardern and Johnson said the pair had agreed to improve trade and travel between the two countries. Both PMs Ardern and Johnson announced new Customs and science arrangements.
“As we look to rebound from the global COVID pandemic and reconnect with the world, the recent conclusion of a modern, high quality, and comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA), a new customs arrangement, a new bilateral science arrangement, and the enhancement of our reciprocal Youth Mobility and Working Holiday schemes shows the scale of mutual interests underpinning our relationship as two vibrant democracies.”
Ardern said this will extend the age of eligibility from 30 to 35 years, and extend the length of the visa from roughly two years to three years.
“The new Authorised Economic Operator customs and Science & Innovation arrangement will help secure trade, and researchers between our countries, allowing trusted UK and New Zealand businesses to benefit from smoother customs processes at our respective borders,” the statement said.
Then it was onto a foreign policy event at Chatham House, followed by a reception with businesses connected to NZ trade, tourism, and investment. It’s been a busy but great couple of days.
