It was a citizenship ceremony unlike any other. Not just because hundreds of Kiwis were becoming Aussies, but because they had a special guest to cheer them on – the Prime Minister of New Zealand. That’s right, the leader of the land of hobbits was down under to show support for some dual citizenship shenanigans.

And what a reason to celebrate! Australia was finally reversing a ridiculous rule from the Stone Age and allowing almost 700,000 New Zealanders to easily gain citizenship. They were finally going to be on par with those lucky ducks who migrated from Australia to New Zealand. It’s about time, don’t you think?

Sure, Australia and New Zealand may be BFFs in the international scene, but let’s face it, Australia hasn’t been treating their Kiwi cousins too kindly. Making it harder for them to get citizenship and deporting thousands under a new law? Rude much? But it looks like Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, has seen the error of his ways and is making amends. Kudos, mate.

So, there they were in Brisbane, ready to swear allegiance to the Aussies. And there was Chris Hipkins, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, standing tall and proud, being all moral supporty. He even said his presence was a sign of the “bonds that bind us all together.” Aww, that’s sweet, Chris. But wait, there’s more!

Clare O’Neil, the Home Affairs Minister of Australia, went all mushy-gushy and called their Kiwi cousins their “very best friends in the world.” Could this be true love? Is this the start of a beautiful trans-Tasman bromance? Only time will tell. But for now, let’s raise a Vegemite sandwich and a pavlova to friendship, citizenship, and loads of laughs. Cheers mate!

Serious News: nytimes