Australia and New Zealand have economic, political, social and security ties that bind, a diverse bilateral relationship and a shared story, from the landings at Anzac Cove, to boasting one of the most comprehensive bilateral free trade agreements in existence, to our healthy sporting rivalry.
The ICC Cricket World Cup is the flagship event of the international cricket calendar and one of the world's largest international sports tournaments. Australia and New Zealand last co-hosted this event 23 years ago. It is attracting fans from around the globe and is promoting both countries internationally.
The shared commitment to cricket and the tournament is reflected in our co-operation in hosting the World Cup. The Transtasman Visa Arrangement, which allows visitors travelling to both countries for the World Cup to apply for one visa for entry to both Australia and New Zealand, would not have been possible without the sportsman-like manner in which we approached this complex issue.
As proud partners in the planning of this event, we celebrate our diverse cultures as host countries and add another chapter to our shared story. Since the tournament began, Australia and New Zealand have both enjoyed dominating wins in front of our own fans. Both countries are keen to cement our status as genuinely hospitable hosts but also as real contenders for the World Cup.
A great cricketing rivalry will be under the spotlight on Saturday at a full Eden Park when we face the Black Caps in front of their home crowd. For the more than 483,000 New Zealanders who call Australia home and the estimated 63,000 Australians who call New Zealand home - as well as the rest of us in our respective countries - this is not just any game. The World Cup represents a continuation of our strong and colourful history of co-operation, camaraderie and sporting rivalry. Hosting is both an honour and an opportunity to celebrate our enduring relationship, a partnership which has thrived, despite the odd "on-field incident", and is now valued at more than $22 billion in trade and investment.
