23 May 2005

Governor-General on historic visit to Chile

The Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright will this week travel to Chile in what is the first official state visit by a New Zealand Governor-General to a Latin-American country.

Dame Silvia's visit follows two earlier visits to New Zealand by President Lagos and underlines the importance New Zealand attaches to the relationship with Chile.

Dame Silvia's programme will include a State welcome, an official audience with President Lagos and a State dinner. Dame Silvia will also visit a NZAID Head of Mission Fund-supported project (the project is run by a New Zealand nun and assists battered women and disadvantaged children) and she will meet with Chilean Human Rights experts.

During the absence of the Governor-General from 25 to 29 May 2005, the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon Justice Anderson, will act as Administrator of Government.

ENDS

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