Summarised by Centrist
US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met one-on-one for the first time on the sidelines of the Apec summit in South Korea, sharing a lighthearted exchange before joining other world leaders for dinner.
Trump praised Luxon, joking “your hair is beautiful” after the bald prime minister mentioned earlier teasing from the Korean president.
Luxon said the meeting, which lasted just over 10 minutes, focused on building rapport and discussed trade, New Zealand’s beauty, and Trump’s fondness for golf. He invited Trump to visit New Zealand, though Trump did not commit. Luxon confirmed trade tariffs were raised during wider talks with leaders, including Australia’s Anthony Albanese and Canada’s Mark Carney, saying both sides understood each other’s positions.
The meeting marked Luxon’s first in-person encounter with Trump after congratulating him by phone following his re-election last year.
