New Zealand committed to 'even closer' relations with Britain no matter the outcome of Brexit - Ardern

January 21, 2019
Later New Zealand’s Prime Minister attended a high level security meeting with the Five Eyes Intelligence Sharing Alliance.

The Prime Minister has publicly cemented New Zealand's desire for a free trade agreement with Britain, no matter the outcome of Brexit. 

In a piece written by Jacinda Ardern for The Telegraph, she emphasised New Zealand's connection to the United Kingdom, and the readiness of New Zealand for an "ambitious free trade agreement."

"Whatever you decide about your place in the global community, New Zealand is committed to making our excellent relations even closer, and to ensuring that the links between our people continue to flourish."

Also on her agenda is a meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May.

Ms Ardern will be meeting UK Prime Minister Theresa May in the early hours on Tuesday morning (NZT) to push for an agreement, before she heads to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

It comes as Britain sits in uncertainty over the outcome of Brexit. 

Read more: No-deal Brexit would be 'very damaging, very difficult' for New Zealand - Jacinda Ardern

In The Telegraph article, Ms Ardern talks of time spent in UK as "almost a rite of passage" for many young New Zealanders and highlighted the high amount of New Zealanders claiming British heritage.

"We all know our shared history... as the world around us changes and evolves, so too must our relationship."

"We want to take our trade and investment relations to the next level," Ms Ardern wrote in The Telegraph. 

She writes that a free trade agreement would unlock potential for further trade and help business growth. 

"We've already built strong connections with each other. In a world of uncertainty and change, now is the time to make them even stronger."

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