Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) receives New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. (Photo: abc.net.au)

Speaking in Sydney at a joint press conference with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the two countries are “in lockstep on the Pacific," adding that both are determined to take their relations to “a new level."

Prime Minister Ardern, first foreign leader to visit Australia since its election, told the press conference that New Zealand welcomed Australia's new stance on climate, saying that the election win signaled "an opportunity for a reset" of their relations.

During talks with Albanese, she mentioned Australia's policy of deporting foreigners convicted of crimes, whereby hundreds of people have been deported to New Zealand. Albanese promised to "work through" issues.