Hon Phil Goff
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

5 September 2005
Media statement

Goff names new Ambassador to Seoul

New Zealand’s next Ambassador to South Korea will be career diplomat Jane Coombs, Foreign Minister Phil Goff announced today.

“South Korea is one of New Zealand’s leading international economic partners. It is our sixth largest export market, and our seventh largest bilateral trading partner. Two-way trade, which is slightly in New Zealand's favour, was worth $2.09 billion in the year to June.

“In addition New Zealand has close and fast growing links with Korea in education, film cooperation and science and technology,” Mr Goff said.

“We work closely with Korea in international and regional economic forums, particularly APEC and the WTO, with APEC being hosted by Korea this year.

“Korea is a world leader in information technology and communications and there are strong synergies with New Zealand in this area.

“Non-governmental links are also strong, with a significant Korean community in New Zealand as well as more than 1000 New Zealanders currently teaching English in Korea," Mr Goff said.

Ms Coombs' previous postings include Canberra, Moscow and the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. She will take up her position in Seoul in January, replacing David Taylor, who is returning to Wellington.

ENDS

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