WELLINGTON, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Political leaders from both sides of the Tasman will gather in New Zealand this week to discuss regional trade in the era of United States President Donald Trump.
New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English said Monday that Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull would make an official visit and senior government leaders would gather in the South Island mountain resort of Queenstown Friday for talks.
Both countries have been looking at the possibilities of reviving the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) since Trump announced the U.S. was withdrawing from the controversial trade pact after taking office last month.
The withdrawal scuttled the 12-nation agreement, which was signed in New Zealand last year, but some of the signatory governments have proposed a "TPP-1," an 11-nation agreement minus the United States.
"This visit will be a good opportunity to discuss global economic trends and our shared interest in advancing the trade agenda in the Asia-Pacific," English said in a statement.
"We will also review progress towards our trans-Tasman economic integration ambitions."
Accompanying Turnbull would be Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison and Industry Minister Arthur Sinodinos.
New Zealand Finance Minister Steven Joyce and Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges would also join the annual meeting.
