Australia and New Zealand Prime Ministers discuss plans to reconnect with the rest of the world

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison and New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern discussed (31-May-2021) plans for reconnecting the region with the rest of the world, and welcomed continued close coordination given the linked trans-Tasman border. They noted opportunities to collaborate on initiatives to extend travel options for Pacific neighbours when safe to do so, including through the trans-Tasman quarantine free travel zone. This reflects close ties to the Pacific and the commitment to supporting their recovery. Leaders also tasked officials to explore technological solutions to verify vaccination status to enable Australians and New Zealanders to reconnect with the wider world, alongside other technological solutions that support a safe reopening, while maintaining the trans-Tasman travel arrangements. Leaders expressed their desire to, as much as possible, write the reopening rulebook together. [more - original PR]