WELLINGTON, May 5 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand and Australia were committed to introducing a trans-Tasman COVID-safe travel zone as soon as it was safe to do so, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison said on Tuesday.
The prime ministers agreed to commence work on a trans-Tasman COVID-safe travel zone - easing travel restrictions between Australia and New Zealand. Such an arrangement would be put in place once it was safe to do so and necessary health, transport and other protocols had been developed and met to ensure the protection of public health, said a statement released by the New Zealand government.
This arrangement recognized that Australia and New Zealand were both successfully addressing the spread of COVID-19. Any arrangement would need to take into account state and territory movement restrictions, it said.
"Building on our success so far in responding to COVID-19, continuing to protect Australians and New Zealanders remains an absolute priority," the two prime ministers said in the statement.
"We will remain responsive to the health situation as it develops," they said.
The prime ministers welcomed the early interest of business leaders and other stakeholders in a trans-Tasman COVID-safe travel zone. Officials would work closely with these groups, including the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum, as planning developed further.
"A trans-Tasman COVID-safe travel zone would be mutually beneficial, assisting our trade and economic recovery, helping kick-start the tourism and transport sectors, enhancing sporting contacts, and reuniting families and friends," the statement said.
"We need to be cautious as we progress this initiative. Neither country wants to see the virus rebound so it's essential any such travel zone is safe," it said. Enditem
