President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. today spoke by phone with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand. They discussed our interest in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and President Biden underscored the enduring U.S. commitment to the region. The leaders discussed our close partnership on a range of issues, including efforts to support the global economic recovery and to end the COVID-19 pandemic. President Biden commended Prime Minister Ardern for her steadfast and effective leadership throughout the pandemic. President Biden expressed U.S. support for the Christchurch Call to Action. They also discussed our cooperation on and engagement with Pacific Island nations. President Biden also thanked Prime Minister Ardern for hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Virtual Leaders’ Retreat on July 16, and they agreed on the importance of multilateral institutions and economic cooperation throughout the region.