NZ leader Jacinda Ardern offers virus know-how to Biden

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday became the latest world leader to congratulate US President-elect Joe Biden on his election victory, saying she offered to share her nation's expertise on dealing with the coronavirus. Ardern said the tone of the 20-minute phone call was warm and that Biden spoke very favorably about how New Zealand was handling the pandemic.

New Zealand has been largely successful in eliminating the virus after imposing a strict lockdown in March and closing its borders. Only 25 people in the nation of 5 million have died from COVID-19. Ardern said Biden wanted to pursue the discussion on New Zealand's response further. But she cautioned that the nation's model may not be able to be replicated everywhere.

"While New Zealand has a number of natural advantages that have assisted us in managing the virus, I do absolutely believe that international cooperation continues to be key to getting the virus under control and we are happy to work with any country to share our knowledge and data if it's helpful", Ardern told reporters in Wellington.

Ardern said she and Biden also discussed trade issues and climate change. In a statement, Biden praised Ardern's "extraordinary leadership" following a 2019 mass shooting at two Christchurch mosques, and as a working mother and role model. 

(Image Credits: New Zealand Prime Minister's Office via AP)