New Zealand parliamentarians to attend regional parliamentary forum

New Zealand members of Parliament Lindsay Tisch, David Clark and Gareth Hughes will attend the 23rd Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in Quito, Ecuador next week.

The APPF is a forum for parliamentarians from the Asia Pacific region who meet on an annual basis to identify and discuss issues of mutual concern, with the aim of strengthening understanding and encouraging regional cooperation. The APPF supports other regional cooperation vehicles such as APEC.

There are 27 member countries, and the discussion agenda focuses on regional political and security matters, economics and trade, and regional cooperation between the member states. All the New Zealand delegates hope to deliver speeches over the course of the event, and New Zealand is also sponsoring a draft resolution supporting trade in the region.

The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon David Carter, said New Zealand’s attendance at the APPF is a valuable opportunity for the participating parliamentarians and of wider benefit to New Zealand.

“Inter-parliamentary relationships strengthen New Zealand’s international profile, build links between nations, and provide opportunities for New Zealand parliamentarians to engage on the global stage.

“The APPF is a well-established international organisation that contributes to matters of regional importance, including supporting the work of APEC. I am confident that the New Zealand Parliament will be well represented by our delegates at the upcoming deliberations in Ecuador.”

The APPF is taking place from 10 to 15 January.

ENDS

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