The US President Joe Biden has welcomed New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to the White House.
The two leaders met in Washington overnight. for a meeting that lasted 90 minutes.
Both leaders made comments about the meeting beforehand. In the meeting itself Ukraine and gun control was among the topics discussed.
Ardern told reporters after the meeting it was a good, long conversation.
She says they already have a close relationship which allows them to work together, specifically against China's growing presence in the Pacific, but a shared experiences within their leadership.
Even though there were undertones of excitement to be sitting down at the Whitehouse, Ardern says she's committed to the job she has to do.
In a statement just released from the White House Biden said he was honoured to welcome Ardern to the Whitehouse and the leaders reaffirmed the strategic partnership .
"Our partnership is global, but it is centered in the Indo-Pacific. The United States and New Zealand are committed to realizing a region of sovereign, resilient, and prosperous states, based on the international rules-based order, where states, including and especially small states, can pursue their interests free from coercion."
It also mentioned the pacific.
"We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the Pacific Islands region, with a strong and united Pacific Islands Forum at the center."
