STORY: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his counterpart Chris Hipkins said they discussed climate change, security, migration and the economy at their meeting in Canberra on Tuesday, the first since Jacinda Ardern resigned as leader in January.

Albanese said he was pleased by the "productive" video meeting between Trade Minister Don Farrell and his Chinese counterpart on Monday, where it was agreed that Farrell would soon travel to Beijing.

"Our position on China is clear that we will cooperate where we can, will disagree where we must and will engage in our national interests. "

Hipkins said China was "an incredibly important partner" for New Zealand.

"That doesn't mean there aren't going to be areas where we disagree from time to time and we'll continue to voice our disagreements with China," he added.

Both countries also pledged to provide humanitarian aid earthquake-stricken regions in Turkey and Syria.

Albanese said Australia will provide an “initial” A$10 million ($6.9 million) in humanitarian effort and New Zealand’s Chris Hipkins said New Zealand will provide NZ$1.5 million ($948,000) in aid.