This morning Prime Minister Christopher Luxon chaired the third IP4 meeting between New Zealand, Australia, Korea and Japan at the NATO summit in Washington DC.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky also attended as they discussed the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Luxon also met with US President Joe Biden, who was "on top of his brief" as they spoke about the Indo-Pacific region.
"The rules that have underwritten our security for decades are under threat - and no where do we see that more starkly than Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine," Luxon said after the IP4 meeting.
"Closer to home our own neighbourhood is more complex, more chaotic, and more challenging to navigate."
The group of leaders released a statement condemning North Korea for supporting Russia's invasion.
"We express grave concern over the increasing military and economic cooperation commitment between the Russian Federation and the DPRK, as highlighted by the signing of the 'Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership', which is contrary to multiple UN Security Council resolutions."
Putin recently visited North Korea, which has been supplying Russia with shells and ammunition.
The IP4 leaders including Luxon also attended a meeting of the NATO North Atlantic Council with United States President Joe Biden.
Speaking to media after the event, Luxon said chairing the IP4 was a "great opportunity" for unity between the four Indo-Pacific countries.
He said he does not want to see "any country supporting the Russian war machine".
"We have common interests; we have common values, and we have to stand up to unilateral actors that are challenging the rules-based system. We can not have Ukraine lose this war, that is unacceptable. And so that is why you've seen us continue to support his because it’s a principle that we stand on as Kiwis, like other like-minded countries."
Luxon said he was proud of the financial support New Zealand had provided so far to Ukraine, including pledging a further $16 million this week, and was open to visiting the country.
Asked about his interactions with President Biden, Luxon said he "really enjoyed" the meeting and speaking about issues within the Indo-Pacific.
"He was on top of his brief, we had a positive interaction."
Asked whether Biden appeared "sharp" Luxon said: "Yes, absolutely. I mean we talked about the Indo-Pacific and he wanted to talk to me about those issues. We had a good conversation about it."
Luxon said his ministers have been working hard to lift bilateral trade relationships.
"I have wanted a hard reset of our foreign policy and we have focused exclusively on the Indo-Pacific region. We are making sure we can be a trusted, good partner to our allies and friends and as you've seen, I want the intensity and urgency lifted big time.
SHARE ME