Ardern takes call from Trump
Incoming Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has spoken to US President Donald Trump following the formation of the new Labour-led government. Ms Ardern’s spokesperson said she took a call from Mr Trump earlier yesterday, congratulating her on the outcome of the election. “The President was genuinely interested in our election, and spoke about the coverage it had received in Washington DC,” Ms Ardern said.
“The President also asked that I pass on his warm regards to the people of New Zealand.” Ms Ardern and Mr Trump are likely to meet in person at next month’s APEC meeting in Vietnam.
“I look forward to carrying on talks around our role in the Asia Pacific region, and our commitment to a strong relationship with the United States,” Ms Ardern said.
A read-out of the phone call issued by the White House said the two leaders “underscored the importance of the bilateral partnership between the United States and New Zealand and pledged to continue close cooperation on the many priorities the two countries share”. Mr Trump’s previous phone calls with world leaders have been testy at times.
He called his phone conversation with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull soon after his inauguration “the most unpleasant call all day” after growing angry about a deal the US had made to accept refugees from Manus Island.