PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA 15 December 1989
I will be paying an official visit to New Zealand from
1-4 February 1990.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Palmer invited me to visit
New Zealand in early February next year to participate in
New Zealand's 150th Anniversary celebrations. I am very
happy to be able to take up his kind invitation.
While in New Zealand, I will be holding extensive
discussions with Prime Minister Palmer. Our agenda will
cover bilateral, regional and global issues and address
environmental, political, and economic developments.
I will also have the opportunity to attend some of thie
events and ceremonies associated with -the Commoniweal h Games
being held in Auckland at the time.
The relationship with New Zealand remains one of our most
impo. tant bilateral relationships. 1990 is an important year
and I know that: all. Australians will join me in
congratulating New Zealand on the 150th Anniversary of the
signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. It is also a year ini
which b) oth countries will be commemorating the
anniversary of the ANZAC landing Gallipoli ani event
which not only forged the ANZAC ties but also helped -to
develop a sense of national consciousness in both countries.
I am looking forward very much to the opportunitLy which this
trip provides for me to reaffirm the priority Australia
attaches to the relationship with New Zealand, -to
participate in -their .150th celebrations, and to discuss the
issues which will sustain this important relationship Into
the future.
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