Media Release
17 June, 2009
Visit to New Zealand
I will visit New Zealand on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 June for discussions with my New Zealand counterpart, Foreign Minister Murray McCully.
The Australia and New Zealand relationship is of great importance to both countries.
This visit will provide an opportunity to discuss key bilateral, regional and global issues as well as the strong trade and economic relationship between Australia and New Zealand.
We will also discuss advancing Australian-New Zealand cooperation in the Pacific and the consequences of the global recession which will be an important issue at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting which Australia will host in Cairns in August.
I will also meet Prime Minister John Key and Deputy Prime Minister Bill English as well as Opposition frontbenchers.
The talks with Mr McCully are part of regular twice-yearly ANZ Foreign Ministers’ meetings and follow my meeting with Mr McCully and in Perth in January.
Media inquiries:
- Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555