EU talks highlight shared views

Today's consultations with the European Union Presidency demonstrated the very high degree of like-mindedness between the EU and New Zealand, according to Foreign Winston Peters.

Germany currently holds the six-month rotating presidency of the European Union, and Mr Peters said his talks with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier had been extremely positive and forward-looking.

“Our relationship with Europe has grown and matured over the years, and we have moved far beyond the days when all we talked about was trade disputes," Mr Peters said.

"The EU is our second-largest trading partner, but the relationship has broadened considerably and we now work together in a very wide range of areas, including science, education, and culture. We have been able to talk today about how we can build an even greater engagement in the future.

"During discussions we agreed how to finalise an update of the EU-NZ Action Plan, first signed in 2004, to reflect the broadening of the relationship.

"The Action Plan will be combined with the EU-NZ Joint Declaration to produce a forward-looking document setting out specific areas where we can work together, such as Pacific development and stability, human rights, trade, the environment, education and scientific activities.

“We also covered a wide range of international topics, particularly the situation in Afghanistan, Iraq and the wider Middle East, as well as the EU's energy action plan and the increasingly pressing need to respond to climate change.

“New Zealand's role in the Pacific was discussed; we shared our thoughts on the latest developments there, and expressed appreciation for the EU’s commitment to the region’s development," Mr Peters said.

He said EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner had been invited to visit New Zealand, and she hoped to make the trip in June.

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