Boris Johnson enjoyed a traditional haka performance in the Downing Street garden as he greeted Jacinda Ardern, his New Zealand counterpart.
The prime ministers discussed trade and signed a new agreement that expands travel opportunities for young people between the two nations.
After an eight-day series of foreign engagements in Rwanda, Germany, and Spain, the prime minister returned to his official London residence, facing renewed political pressure over the resignation of deputy chief whip Chris Pincher over groping allegations.
But when he met Ms. Ardern, he was able to step away from the domestic turmoil, telling her it was a “great, great pleasure” to meet her.
But when he met Ms. Ardern, he was able to step away from the domestic turmoil, telling her it was a “great, great pleasure” to meet her.
Mr. Johnson appeared relaxed as he and his colleague, who, like him, recently attended the NATO summit in Madrid, watched a Maori dance in the garden of No. 10.
The Prime Minister smiled and applauded as performers in traditional costumes performed the haka, and was photographed exchanging greetings with them face-to-face.
It was Ms. Ardern’s first visit to the United Kingdom since the COVID-19 pandemic and since the two countries signed a free trade agreement in February, which has yet to be ratified.
After two years of a strict border policy due to the global pandemic, New Zealand only recently reopened its borders to international visitors.
Ms. Ardern stated that her trip to the United Kingdom and Europe marked an “extremely significant milestone for New Zealand” and demonstrated that “we are open for business, trade, and tourism.
The two leaders agree on Ukraine, and Mr. Johnson praised New Zealand’s “extremely firm stance.”
In addition, they signed an agreement expanding the opportunities for young people to live and work between the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
The accord expands the Youth Mobility and Working Holiday programs.
The maximum age for applicants is increased from 30 to 35, and the maximum length of stay in the host country is increased to three years.
