10 April 2000
Visit to London, Turkey, and Singapore
Prime Minister Helen Clark today announced details of her visits to London, Turkey and Singapore between 18 and 28
April.
Helen Clark said the visits are an opportunity to build on important political and trade relationships, and to attend
ceremonies in Turkey to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings on Anzac Day
"In London I will be meeting with the British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, Chancellor
of the Exchequer Gordon Brown, Minister for the Cabinet Office Mo Mowlam, Overseas Development Minister Clare Short and
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Chris Smith," Helen Clark said.
"I will also host a luncheon for British women in politics, attend a function launching a New Zealand-developed software
product, and hold a meeting at the House of Commons for New Zealanders and British MPs."
On 21 April Helen Clark will be in Ankara, Turkey, for the first official visit by a New Zealand Prime Minister. She
will call on the Turkish President and Prime Minister, and lay a wreath at the Ataturk Memorial.
"I will also be supporting an accompanying business delegation, and meeting in Istanbul with representatives of the
Turkish business community," Helen Clark said.
"The visit will be an opportunity to highlight areas where trade can be expanded and to prepare the ground for the Joint
Economic Commission to be held later this year between New Zealand and Turkey. It is being established to promote trade
and economic opportunities between the two countries.
"On Anzac Day I will be leading the New Zealand delegation to the 85th anniversary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli. A
new site for the dawn service and peace park is being opened. The Australian Prime Minister John Howard will also be
there.
"The five winners of the Gallipoli essay competition will be with the official New Zealand delegation. Their essays
about the impact of Gallipoli on the development of New Zealand identity showed their strong awareness of the
significance of those tragic events 85 years ago.
"In Singapore on the way home I will meet with the Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew and the
President, S R Nathan. I will also address a meeting of the Singapore-New Zealand Business Council and visit the
Singapore Science Park.
"The visit will be a timely opportunity to advance the closer economic relations which the government is pursuing with
Singapore and the range of common interests we have through our participation in APEC and the Five-Power Defence
Arrangement," Helen Clark said.
ENDS
Note: Members of the New Zealand business delegation accompanying the Prime Minister are:
Dr Ross Armstrong Chairperson of NZ Post and TVNZ (interest in government postal services consultancy and fish
exports)
Dr Robin Falconer Group Manager, Hazards, Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Ltd (earthquake engineering
and seeking World Bank consultancy)
Mr Don Harwood Managing Director, Tate International Ltd (livestock exports)
Professor James McWha Vice-chancellor, Massey University (educational linkages)
Mr Gary Monk Managing Director, Intersea Group (frozen fish exports)
Mr John Upton Managing Director, Horizon Meat Ltd (meat exports)