For release 9 May 2016

Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly to visit the New Zealand Parliament

His Excellency, Ismail Kahraman, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, and a delegation of parliamentarians, are visiting New Zealand as official guests of the New Zealand Parliament from 8 May to 11 May 2016.

New Zealand’s Speaker, Rt Hon David Carter, is pleased to host this visit. “New Zealand enjoys a special relationship with Turkey, with a growing number of New Zealanders heading to Gallipoli each year to participate in ANZAC commemorations. As our diplomatic relationship matures, both New Zealand and Turkey are looking to deepen ties, particularly in trade, disaster management and education. It is a privilege to host my Turkish counterpart so early in his Speakership and I look forward to meeting with him and discussing our bilateral relationship, Syrian humanitarian issues, and the sharing of parliamentary knowledge. “

While in Wellington, His Excellency will attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ataturk Memorial and visit the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park and the Great War Memorial Exhibition. His Excellency will also hold talks with the Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key, the Governor-General, Lieutenant General the Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mataparae GNZM QSO, in addition to the New Zealand Speaker, Rt Hon David Carter. There will also be an opportunity for him to observe Question Time in the House and engage with cross-party New Zealand Members of Parliament and the local Turkish community.

ENDS

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