(NOTE: The following was received by Scoop at 8.30pm last night when it was thought that George Bush had won.)

8 November 2000 Media Statement

PM congratulates Bush on election victory

Prime Minister Helen Clark today congratulated United States President-elect George W. Bush on his election victory.

"It has been a long and closely fought election campaign and I congratulate Mr Bush on his win.

"New Zealand and the United States are warm friends and have many mutual interests.

"In a congratulatory message, I have told the President-elect that New Zealand is committed to the launch of a new WTO round, an issue which is also a priority for the United States. The two countries will work together in pursuit of that goal. I also look forward to working with Mr Bush on bilateral trade issues. The United States is New Zealand's second largest export market."

Helen Clark said that no fundamental change in either American foreign policy or the New Zealand-United States relationship was expected as a result of today's election result.

Helen Clark also paid tribute to outgoing President Bill Clinton.

"New Zealand enjoyed a good and co-operative relationship with President Clinton and his team. On a personal level, I have met Mr Clinton on three occasions and have always been impressed by his commitment to a fairer, more prosperous world, and his sure grasp of world affairs," Helen Clark said.

ENDS

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