I have accepted an invitation from the New Zealand Prime Minister,
Mrs Shipley, to visit New Zealand from 20 to 22 February. This will
reciprocate her visit to Australia last year shortly after her appointment
as Prime Minister.
Few countries in the world share such a broad and enduring partnership
as Australia and New Zealand. The relationship is not just one of
parallel heritages, shared social values and convergent national interests.
It is also one of great personal warmth and affection, with strong
family links.
Aside from developments in Australia and New Zealand and our bilateral
relationship, Mrs Shipley and I will discuss the regional and global
challenges both our countries face. New Zealand's chairing in September
of the APEC leaders meeting will focus Asia-Pacific attention on the
trans-Tasman area and will provide an important opportunity to help
create the right conditions for a return to sustained growth in our
region.
I will hold talks with Mrs Shipley in Queenstown in the South Island
over the weekend and then meet the New Zealand cabinet, the leader
of the New Zealand Opposition and business leaders in Wellington on
Monday 22 February.
My government is committed to a close and productive relationship
with New Zealand.
4 February 1999