Christopher Luxon Speaks With Donald Trump

Tuesday, 12 November 2024, 9:08 pm
Article: RNZ

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he had "a good connection" with US president-elect Donald Trump during a "very positive, very warm" conversation this morning.

Luxon spoke to Trump on Tuesday for the first time since the US election in a phone call which Luxon said lasted 10-to-15 minutes and canvassed a range of topics.

"We talked a little bit about some of the challenges in our respective economies, and also about some of the global conflicts, particularly Ukraine and Middle East.

"It was really just a relational chance to say hello, and we committed that we would catch up in person at some future forum."

The discussion did not delve into deep detail, Luxon said.

"It was very positive, very warm, you know, a good connection," he said.

"He's got a lot of attachment to New Zealand. It's a place that he speaks very highly of."

Luxon said he also shared his experience living and working in the US: "I come from a business background into politics as well."

He did not raise Trump's proposal to implement tariffs on imports into the US but said the president-elect was aware of New Zealand's commitment to free trade.

"[Trump] knows New Zealand well, and ... the fact that we are a small nation that is very determined to continue to trade with anyone and everyone across the world."

Luxon said they talked about the two countries' "long and important relationship" and continuing their partnership throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

The call took place roughly five days after Trump's commanding victory. Luxon said it was a "good sign" that Trump made time for such a small nation given his busy schedule.

Since Trump's landslide victory last week he has spoken with several world leaders, including Russian president Vladimir Putin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and China's Xi Jin Ping.

Luxon's usual interview slot with Morning Report was moved to allow for the call from the United States.

Posting on X, Luxon said New Zealand and the United States had a strong and enduring partnership.

"Good to speak with President-elect @realDonaldTrump this morning to congratulate him on his historic election victory.

"We agreed on the importance of deepening ties between our two nations and I look forward to doing just that."

The prime minister is heading to the APEC summit in Peru on Thursday where he will meet outgoing President Joe Biden.

President-elect Trump campaigned on introducing tariffs of up to 20 percent on imported goods as part of his 'America First' economic policy.

Luxon has previously warned against jumping to conclusions about Trump policies that might affect New Zealand and has congratulated the Republican on a "comprehensive win".

"I look forward to working with him and advancing the interests of our great countries," he said last week.

"I know both sides of the aisle in Washington... I've got no doubt we'll do everything we can to work constructively to move forward together."

Asked about Trump's campaigning on trade tariffs which could be bad for New Zealand, Luxon said we needed to wait and see what policies were actually introduced.

Kiwi winemakers are anxiously waiting to see whether he follows through on the promise, with the US market accounting for some 40 percent of New Zealand's wine exports.

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