Luxon Meets Trump in South Korea Ahead of APEC Leaders’ Dinner

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a one-on-one meeting with former United States President Donald Trump in South Korea on March 15, 2024. This meeting occurred prior to a leaders’ gathering at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)Lee Jae Myung.

The meeting took place in a private room near the dinner venue, where the two leaders discussed the robust relationship between New Zealand and the United States. Luxon described the conversation as a productive opportunity to explore ways to enhance bilateral ties. He later shared on social media, “It was good to meet,” emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the two nations.

Upon arriving at the dinner together, Luxon and Trump were seen smiling as they entered, following the arrival of other leaders who were greeted individually. During the formal welcoming, President Lee engaged Luxon with a light-hearted comment about his hair, prompting Trump to compliment Luxon, stating, “Your hair is beautiful.” Luxon humorously agreed, reinforcing a jovial atmosphere among the leaders.

In a brief exchange with the media, Trump expressed satisfaction with the discussions held during the meeting, indicating that he had reached a deal. When asked if he had a message for New Zealand, he responded, “We should smile,” while gesturing to the cameras. His remarks included a note of appreciation for Luxon, calling him “a good friend of mine” and highlighting the appeal of New Zealand as “a nice place.”

This meeting marked the first in-person encounter between Luxon and Trump, who had previously communicated only via phone after Trump took office. The intimate setting of the leaders’ meeting included representatives from Australia, Canada, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, creating an opportunity for informal discussions prior to the formalities.

After the meeting, the eight leaders participated in a family photo session, capturing a moment that showcased the camaraderie among them. Luxon positioned himself between the leaders from Canada and Vietnam, while Trump was placed centrally as the special guest of the dinner. A banner behind them read, “Special Dinner in honour of President Donald J Trump and State Leaders hosted by President Lee Jae Myung.”

During the gathering, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney humorously inquired, “Where are the Kiwis?” which elicited laughter from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This light-hearted moment underscored a sense of unity among the leaders as they engaged in discussions on pressing global issues.

As the APEC meeting unfolds, the interactions between Luxon and Trump may set the tone for future cooperation between New Zealand and the United States, highlighting the significance of diplomatic relations in an increasingly interconnected world.