US elections: Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta on Joe Biden’s victory

Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta recognized and congratulated President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris, highlighting Biden’s previous visit to New Zealand.

And she paid a special tribute to Harris, saying she will bring “some very unique attributes to her leadership” as the first female vice president of color.

Mahuta, who was sworn in as foreign minister on Friday, addressed the media this morning following Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s congratulatory message to Biden.

He said New Zealand had warm relations with Biden when he was Barack Obama’s vice president.

“Visited here in 2016, met several people and by all accounts had fun.

“I anticipate there will be continued warm conversations on areas of common interest such as Covid-19, such as trade, such as the topic of global economic recovery.

“We enjoy our relationship with them. We want to continue to strengthen that relationship, and under a new regime there is an opportunity for further cooperation.”

She wouldn’t be attracted to Donald Trump disputing the outcome or whether he could refuse to physically leave the White House.

Trump’s ongoing legal battles were a matter for the United States, he said.

When asked if Trump’s behavior was leading to an outgoing president, Mahuta said: “Actually, it is for the American voters to decide that level of behavior, but they have made their decision known through the elections.”

When asked about joining the United States in the Trans-Pacific Partnership and rejoining the Paris climate accord, Mahuta said New Zealand would prioritize issues for discussion once Biden’s agenda is clarified in January next year.

“My area of ​​priority today is to congratulate President-elect Biden and recognize Kamala Harris … it is an exciting time for them.”

She said the world was watching New Zealand’s successful Covid-19 response.

“That is why other countries are watching us.”

She wouldn’t be drawn to whether her foreign predecessor, Winston Peters, could be New Zealand’s next ambassador to Washington.

Ardern said this morning that the relationship between New Zealand and the United States is strong.

“I look forward to developing even closer relationships with the incoming Biden administration,” he said.

“As Vice President, Joe Biden was a close friend of New Zealand and was here in 2016, the highest-ranking American politician to do so since President Bill Clinton attended APEC in 1999.

“New Zealand will continue to work closely with the United States on the issues that matter to us both, including prosperity, security and sustainability in the Indo-Pacific and Pacific Islands regions.

“The president-elect’s campaign has also demonstrated the shared interests we have in addressing global challenges like Covid-19 and climate change.

“There are many challenges facing the international community at this time, Joe Biden’s message of unity positions us well to meet those challenges.”

It also recognized outgoing President Donald Trump.

“New Zealand has enjoyed positive and cooperative relations with the United States during the Trump Administration period, especially in the Indo-Pacific and Pacific Islands regions,” Ardern said.

Biden will become the 46th President of the United States, after passing the necessary 270 Electoral College votes with a victory in Pennsylvania this morning (New Zealand time).

He said in a statement that he was “honored and humiliated.”

“It is time for the United States to come together. And heal,” he said. “We are the United States of America. And there is nothing we cannot do if we do it together.”

After broadcasters called the race for Biden, Trump said in a statement that Biden “was rushing to pose as the winner” and said it was “far from over.”

“Starting Monday, our campaign will begin to prosecute our case in court to ensure that electoral laws are fully respected and that the rightful winner is seated.”

“I will not rest until the American people have the honest vote count they deserve and that democracy demands,” Trump said in the statement.

Mahuta is expected to speak about what a Biden presidency will mean for New Zealand.

Ardern has previously spoken about the importance of rules-based multilateralism, in stark contrast to Trump and America First’s doctrine of protectionism.

Ardern has joined British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other world leaders in offering his congratulations.