Speakers’ delegation visit boosts NZ – Asia ties

Strengthening New Zealand’s bilateral ties with Asia will be the focus of the upcoming visit to the region by a parliamentary delegation the Speaker, Rt Hon David Carter, said today.

“The delegation members will meet with political leaders in Thailand, Myanmar, and Japan, reinforcing existing links and sharing thoughts on the current challenges facing the Asia - Pacific community.

“Our extensive programme is designed to enable our delegation to engage with old and new friends in the region. Our visit comes at a time when New Zealand is increasingly looking toward Asia in terms of trade relationships and cooperation on regional and global issues.

“In Thailand, we will be meeting with the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate and other Members of Parliament. We will also take this opportunity to formally establish a New Zealand – Thailand Parliamentary Friendship Group to promote parliamentary engagement between our two legislatures.

“Our visit to Myanmar will focus on gaining a better understanding of the on-going democratic reforms in that country, and build on recent visits to New Zealand from both the President and Speaker of Myanmar. The delegation will spend time in Yangon meeting with New Zealand businesses and expatriates before travelling to the capital Nay Pyi Taw for a series of parliamentary calls, including meetings with the Speakers of both the Lower and Upper Houses. The delegation will meet with President Thein Sein, who has led Myanmar’s reform process, Myanmar Ministers, and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The delegation will also pay a commemorative visit to the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Taukkyan, just north of Yangon.”

“Meetings in Japan will present an opportunity to engage with key political figures on issues of trade, agricultural reform, and disaster recovery. As both countries have recently shared the experience of rebuilding following significant natural disasters, we will be making a number of site visits to areas in the North of Japan damaged by the Great Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami.”

“I believe that this visit will strengthen New Zealand’s links to Asia during a challenging but dynamic time for the region” the Speaker said.

The delegation, led by Speaker Carter, includes Hon Philip Heatley (National), Dr Rajen Prasad (Labour), David Clendon (Green), and Tracey Martin (NZ First). The visit will take place from 29 September – 12 October.

ENDS

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