U.S. NZ Officials Discuss Afghanistan, Iraq, Trade

U.S., New Zealand Officials Discuss Afghanistan, Iraq, Trade

State Department Sept. 24 statement on Armitage-Goff meeting

The State Department issued a statement September 24 summarizing a meeting between U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage and New Zealand's Foreign Minister Philip Goff that day.

According to the statement, the two officials discussed a wide range of issues, including: reconstruction in Afghanistan; reconstruction and stabilization operations in Iraq; the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI); and the status of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations in the wake of the recent breakdown of WTO talks in Cancun, Mexico.

Following is the text of the statement:

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
September 24, 2003

STATEMENT BY J. ADAM ERELI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN

New Zealand -- Meeting Between Deputy Secretary Armitage and Foreign Minister Philip Goff

Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage met September 24 with New Zealand Foreign Minister Philip Goff. The two discussed a wide range of issues, including reconstruction in Afghanistan, reconstruction and stabilization operations in Iraq, the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), and international trade Post-Cancun.

Deputy Secretary Armitage reiterated U.S. appreciation for New Zealand's contributions in both Afghanistan and Iraq. He also complemented New Zealand, together with Australia and other participating nations, on RAMSI's progress in bringing peace and stability to the Solomon Islands. He congratulated New Zealand on the success of the Pacific Island Forum, held in Auckland this past August, and noted the many regional initiatives arising out of the Forum.

The Deputy Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed the status of WTO negotiations in the wake of the breakdown of the recent meetings in Cancun, as well as future prospects for addressing the challenges posed by the disappointing outcome.

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