New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins (left) and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hold a joint press conference in Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, Feb 7, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)
SYDNEY – New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said on Tuesday he would attend the upcoming NATO summit in July, while Australia's leader said he was still considering whether to travel.
Both countries have a decades-long relationship with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization that has taken on greater importance following Russia's special military operation in Ukraine.
I will give it consideration. I attended last year in Madrid and subject to logistical arrangements, then I would be very pleased to accept the invitation.
Anthony Albanese, Australian Prime Minister
Finland this month joined the now 31-member alliance in a historic policy shift, while neighbor Sweden has applied to do so.
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Hipkins said he would seek to advance a trade agreement with the European Union while at the NATO summit, due to be held in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius in July.
"When overseas I will look to put trade front and center in order to support our economic recovery," he said in a statement.
Australia and New Zealand both attended last year's summit in Madrid as non-member participants.
Local media previously reported Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese would not travel to the summit, but he said in a radio interview on Monday that no decision had been made.
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"I haven't had a chance yet to talk to the NATO Secretary-General," Albanese told state broadcaster ABC.
"I will give it consideration," he said. "I attended last year in Madrid and subject to logistical arrangements, then I would be very pleased to accept the invitation."