New Zealand parliamentarians to attend regional parliamentary forum

New Zealand members of parliament Lindsay Tisch, Hon Maryan Street and Barbara Stewart will attend the 22nd Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in Puerto Villarta, Mexico.

The APPF is a forum for parliamentarians from the Asia Pacific region who meet to identify and discuss issues of mutual concern, with the aim of strengthening understanding and encouraging regional cooperation. The APPF supports other regional cooperation vehicles such as APEC, and New Zealand hosted the annual meeting in 2008.

There are 27 member countries, and the discussion agenda focuses on regional political and security matters, economics and trade, and regional cooperation between the member states. All the New Zealand delegates hope to deliver speeches over the course of the event, and New Zealand is also sponsoring a draft resolution supporting trade in the region.

The Speaker of the House, The Rt Hon David Carter, said New Zealand’s attendance at the APPF is a valuable opportunity for the participating parliamentarians and of wider benefit to New Zealand.

“Inter-parliamentary relationships strengthen New Zealand’s international profile, build links between nations, and provide opportunities for New Zealand parliamentarians to engage on the global stage.

“The APPF is a significant international organisation that contributes to matters of regional importance, including supporting the work of APEC. I am sure that the delegates will represent New Zealand well at the upcoming deliberations in Mexico.”

The APPF is taking place from 12 to 16 January.

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