For immediate release
19 October 2005

Winston Peters’ US Comments Welcomed

The New Zealand United States Council today welcomed incoming Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ positive comments about the relationship with the United States.

Executive Director Stephen Jacobi said Mr Peters’ comments, reported in the New Zealand Herald, were an important first signal from the new Minister.

“The United States is a key partner for New Zealand and the Minister’s early public support for this major relationship is very welcome. Now that the election is over and the new Government has been formed, there is no better time to re-engage with the US Administration”, said Mr Jacobi.

The New Zealand United States Council is a non partisan body funded by both business and government to promote New Zealand’s relationship with the US. Its membership includes business interests with a major stake in the US, New Zealand’s second largest export market.

Mr Jacobi said the Council stood ready to work constructively with the incoming Government and the new Minister to build a relationship with the US which reflected the two countries’ shared values and interests.

“In this context first signals are very important and the message will doubltess be heard in Washington” concluded Mr Jacobi.

ENDS

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