British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gave Prime Minister Chris Hipkins a tray of sausage rolls in London at No. 10 Downing Street. Photo: Peter Livingstone
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has met with his British counterpart, Rishi Sunak, at Number 10 Downing Street.
It follows confirmation the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries would come into force at the end of the month.
The leaders' first face-to-face was seen more as an opportunity to build a relationship between the pair, rather than progressing policies.
Hipkins said New Zealand and the UK's relationship was the "best it's been in a long time", while Sunak said it was "as strong as ever."
There is a feeling from the New Zealand side that after a few turbulent years in British politics, the relationship between the two countries is back on track.
The pair discussed the NZ-UK FTA, Indo-Pacific region and the war in Ukraine during the 30-minute sit-down.
Photo: Peter Livingstone
The AUKUS security pact, which Britain is a part of, was not discussed, Hipkins said.
"It wasn't a topic of conversation. I think it was mentioned in passing very briefly, but it wasn't something we discussed today."
Sunak presented Hipkins with an enormous plate of sausage rolls, sourced from popular UK chain Greggs, at the start of the sit-down.
Hipkins contributed a bottle of Watties tomato sauce for the pastries, which he'd bought over from New Zealand.
"The sausage rolls were very good. I'm thinking I have a future role as a brand ambassador for sausage rolls around the world."
Hipkins said the pair would continue to be in touch and would meet again at Coronation events over the weekend.
