The New Zealand United States Council
Media Releases
NZ US Council welcomes US Secretary of State
25 July 2008
The NZ US Council is pleased to welcome the United States Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, to New Zealand today.
Secretary Rice will meet with Prime Minister, Helen Clark and Foreign Minister, Winston Peters tomorrow, before taking part in a reception hosted by the NZ US Council.
“Secretary Rice’s visit is another welcome step in the development of New Zealand’s relationship with the United States. It is indicative of both the long-standing bond we have and also the significant growth of the relationship over recent years,” NZ US Council Chairman, Rt Hon James Bolger said.
“In all my years in politics and international relations, I have never seen the momentum we currently have in the relationship between New Zealand and the United States.”
Mr Bolger said official visits to Washington by the Prime Minster, Minister of Foreign Affairs and other Ministers during the past two years had considerably strengthened ties between the two countries.
“In addition, two US NZ Partnership Forum events in April 2006 and September 2007 provided the ideal platform for government officials and business leaders to take the relationship to a new level. These successful events demonstrated the increasing cooperation and real warmth between the two countries,” Mr Bolger said.
Secretary Rice’s visit will provide an opportunity for important bilateral discussions on a range of common issues, including international security, the development of Pacific nations and expansion of free markets.
“Securing a free trade agreement with the United States remains a key objective for the NZ US Council. We will continue working with business and government to ensure the historic closeness between the two nations can be mirrored in the areas of trade and investment,” Mr Bolger said.
The New Zealand leg of Secretary Rice’s visit will conclude on Sunday, 27 July when she travels to Samoa with Mr Peters to meet with Pacific Forum Foreign Ministers.