The Prime Minister of New Zealand was hosted by Prince William at Kensington Palace. The palace released a photo of them at William’s London residence, where he spends time with his wife Kate and their three children. A spokesman for the duke said the meeting took place today. Ms Ardern was in London for talks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, with trade and the war in Ukraine dominating the agenda on her first visit to the UK since the start of the pandemic. Yesterday, the two leaders met with a handshake outside the door of Number 10. Mr Johnson pointed out that it was her first trip since the two countries signed a new free trade deal in February. Speaking in front of a Union and New Zealand flag, Mr Johnson said it was a “great, great pleasure” to welcome Jacinda Ardern to Downing Street. “I’m very glad to see you,” he said, as he praised the “very strong line you are taking on Ukraine.” Ms Ardern replied: “Thank you very much for the opportunity to meet you.” Boris Johnson shakes hands with Jacinda Ardern outside 10 Downing Street (Image: Rex) Jacinda Ardern discusses her country’s international outlook and challenges from climate change to geopolitical competition at Chatham House, London, yesterday (Image: PA) He said it was an “incredibly important milestone for us in New Zealand” to be able to visit Europe and meant “we are open for business, for trade, for tourism”. During the pandemic, New Zealand followed a strict eradication approach with strict border controls and lockdowns while a vaccine became available. The country has now moved to a mitigation approach and has reopened borders. A new deal between the UK and New Zealand will make travel even easier for many, with young people able to live and work abroad as part of the expansion of the Youth Mobility and Working Holiday schemes. The maximum age limit for applicants will be increased from 30 to 35 and the maximum length of stay of individuals in the host country will be increased from various periods of time to three years. Ms Ardern said: “Kiwis have long supported improvements to working holiday visas. We are so pleased to have reached this agreement today. “I was one of many Kiwis who enjoyed living and working in the UK and we look forward to giving Brits the same great experience in New Zealand.” New Zealand’s prime minister said the deal was good for both the UK and New Zealand. He said he would also discuss the situation in Ukraine with Mr Johnson, telling the Prime Minister it was a good “opportunity” to discuss how the two countries have responded to the war. “We also provide our military assistance through our cooperation with you,” he said. Contact our news team by emailing us at [email protected] For more stories like this, check out our news page.
