NEW ZEALAND TOUR 1967
JOINT STATEMENT ISSUED BY MR. HOLYOAKE,
PRIME MINISTER OF NEW ZEALAND AND MR.
HOLT, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA FOLLOWING
CABINET DISCUSSIONS 3RD FEBRUARY, 1967
The Prime Ministers of New Zealand and Australia have
greatly welcomed this opportunity for a general discussion in the company
of members of the New Zealand Cabinet, on matters of common interest to
our two countries. All have found it of great value and the Prime Ministers
intend to take the further opportunities they will have for close discussion
during the remainder of the visit.
This meeting continues and expresses our close association,
and falls within the context of a series of intimate but informal talks which
have. taken place between the two Prime Ministers during the past year in
London at the Prime Ministers' Conference, in Canberra for the meeting of
the SEATO Council and at the Manila Conference.
Today we have talked together on our outlooks and policies
on matters of common interest in the South-East Asian and Pacific region,
international trade and the trade between our two countries. Our discussions
confirm that our interests run very much together.
We agree about the need to continue military assistance in
the defence of Viet Nam while, at the same time, actively searching for a
peaceful settlement. We recognise that, hand in hand with the military
effort, there is an increasing need for civil aid for the Vietnamese people.
We see the turn of events in Indonesia, of course, as of
major importance to both our countries, and we hope to see Indonesia
playing its full part in promoting peace and progress in the region.
Taking an overall view of South-East Asia, movements there
for greater regional co-operation offer encouraging possibilities for the
future. Having regard to the vital interest for both our countries in the
future of the region, we are agreed that Australia and New Zealand should
pursue policies designed to encourage these trends.
Along with our interest in South-East Asia is our concern
with developments within the South-West Pacific Region.
International trade and related matters are of particular
significance for our two countries. W~ e have a common interest in
achieving more realistic marketing arrangements for agricultural products.
British entry into the Common Market would produce problems for both
countries and the prospect of this calls for the continuation of our closest
consultation. Matters relating to the Free Trade Agreement will be the
subject of further and detailed discussion between our Deputy Prime
Ministers who are to meet shortly.
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We see scope for mutual benefit in closer co-operation
on tourism, particularly in the encouragement of movement of tourists
from other countries to New Zealand and Australia.
Australia and New Zealand share a deep-seated attachment
to the Commonwealth. They recognise, however, the growing complexities
and problems arising in our multi-racial Commonwealth and will co-operate
together towards promoting the Commonwealth as a force for peace and
progress in the world. We welcome the world role which Britain continues
to play in the achievement of the purposes of the Commonwealth. In this
connection, we attach great importance to the decision of Britain to maintain
a presence East of Suez and to continue to accept a role in South-East Asia.
Australia and New Zealand remain equally determined to play their part in
maintaining an adequate Commonwealth presence in the area.
We feel that in today's discussions we have been able to
further our common ourposes on immediate political and economic problems
and on world issues of special significance to our two countries. Our
discussions have been informal, frank and friendly, as befits our close
relationship. We intend that there shall be further similar meetings.