11 February 2002 Media Statement

New Zealand and Australian Prime Ministers meet on Friday

Prime Minister Helen Clark and Australian Prime Minister John Howard will hold their annual talks on Friday morning in Sydney.

“This annual meeting between the New Zealand and Australian Prime Ministers is a key event in the trans-Tasman calendar,” Helen Clark said.

“The relationship with Australia is New Zealand’s most important relationship. I have worked closely with Mr Howard to keep it in good shape.

“Our talks will range over bilateral, regional, and international issues.

“I will be interested to hear about Mr Howard’s recent visit to Indonesia and to the World Economic Forum in New York.

“Both New Zealand and Australia are fully committed to the international effort against terrorism and will want to review developments in that area. The people smuggling problem will also be discussed.

“Our talks will cover the forthcoming the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Queensland, and in particular the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe.

“We will be looking forward to the twentieth anniversary of CER and reviewing areas for closer harmonisation between our two economies.”

Helen Clark will join Mr Howard for a working lunch at Kirribilli House after the talks. She will also meet with Australia’s new Leader of the Opposition, Simon Crean, before returning to New Zealand.

ENDS

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