18 February 2000

Programme for Kofi Annan visit

Prime Minister Helen Clark today announced the programme for United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, who will visit New Zealand from 22-24 February.

Helen Clark said Mr Annan's visit offered an excellent opportunity to promote a greater understanding of the United Nation's work, and to highlight New Zealand’s long standing support for the organisation.

On Wednesday 23 February, Mr Annan will meet the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton, Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Phil Goff, and the Governor General, Sir Michael Hardie Boys.

A state luncheon in honour of the Secretary General will be held on Wednesday at which he will speak. There will also be a dinner at Premier House.

On Thursday 24 February, the Secretary-General will meet with the Leader of the Opposition, Defence Minister Mark Burton, and Chiefs of Staff.

The programme on Thursday also includes a Maori welcome and visit to Waiwhetu Marae in Lower Hutt, and a ministerial working lunch hosted by Mr Goff. The lunch will give ministers whose portfolios touch on elements of the UN’s work the opportunity to work through a broad range of issues with the Secretary-General.

Mr Annan’s visit is part of a wider tour of the Asia/Pacific region, which also takes in Thailand, Indonesia, East Timor and Australia. Mr Annan will be accorded “Guest of Government” status for his two-day visit.

He will be accompanied by his wife and a delegation of 12.

Visit of the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to New Zealand

Programme Outline

Tuesday 22 February

late PM Arrives in Auckland

Wednesday 23 February

early AM Arrives in Wellington

10.30am-11.00am Call on Prime Minister

11.05am-11.30am Press conference, Beehive Theatrette

11.30am-12.15pm Call on Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

12.30pm-2.00pm State luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister

3.00pm-3.35pm Call on Governor-General

3.45pm-4.15pm Meeting with representatives of the United Nations Association of NZ, and the NZ Institute for International Affairs and other NGOs

4.20pm-4.35pm Call on Deputy Prime Minister

7.40pm Dinner at Premier House

Thursday 24 February

10.55am-12.05pm Visit to Waiwhetu Marae, Lower Hutt

12.30pm-2.00pm Lunch hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

3.00pm-3.45pm Call on Minister of Defence and Chiefs of Staff

3.45pm-4.15pm Call on Leader of the Opposition

evening Depart for Auckland, then Los Angeles

ENDS

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