PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS MEETING BETWEEN THE FRIME MINISTERS
CF NEV' ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA.
JOINT CCMMUNICUE
Mr Holyoake and Mr Holt have had several discussions
in Canberra during the past two days on matters of common interect.
The New Zealand Minister for Defence ( Mr Thomsort and Australian
Ministers participated. New Zealand and Australian officials were also
present. These talks were supplemented by separate discussions among
the officials. Both Mr Holyoake and Mr Holt had indicated ' n statements
before the meeting that they did not see the'r discussions as leading up to
any immediate decisions. The talks form part of the process of regular
and continuous consultations between the New Zealand and Australian
Governments. The talks ranged over a wide field. The major questions
discussed were in the areas of defence and foreign policy. The two
Governments are pursuing common obj ectives and the problems they face
are similar. Consequent on the Brtish Government's announcement
of a progressive reduction in forces in South East Asia, both the New
Zealand and Australian Governments are in process of reviewing their
respective defence arrangements. The discussions have been most useful.
As both Mr Holyoake and Mr Holt have previously stated, it will be
necessary to consult other interested governments.
Both countries have forces engaged and operating together
in Viet Nam. Both countries are also giving economic and other civil
assistance ' n Viet Nam. The Viet Nam situation and the prospects for
peaceful settlement there are major preoccupations of both Governments
and the opportunity to consult has been valuable.
Mr Holyoake and the Australian Deputy Frime IV nister,
Mr McEwen, discussed trade relations between Australia and New Zealand,
including the New Zealand/ A ustral'a Free Trade Agreement.
All the talks were held in a most friendly and co-operative
atmosphere. Mr Holyoake's visit to Canberra was welcomed by the
Australian Prime Minister as an opportunity for the Australian Government
to ascertain at first hand the views of the New Zealand Government on
matters which concern both countries. Mr Holyoake also saw the talks
as reflecting the close relations between the two Governments which are
resolved to continue to work closely together.
FRIME MINISTER'S CFFICE,
CANBERRA. 4TH OCTOBER, 1 ' 7.
I