9 April 2019
Speaker to lead parliamentary delegation to Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Turkey
Forging new parliamentary relationships in countries where ties have not been strong, while advocating for enhanced
business, education, and cultural ties, is the focus of an upcoming delegation led by the Speaker, Rt Hon Trevor
Mallard.
The delegation includes Hon Dr Nick Smith MP (National), Hon Nicky Wagner MP (National), Gareth Hughes MP (Green), and
Angie Warren-Clark MP (Labour). The delegation will be engaging in a comprehensive programme in the Federal Democratic
Republic of Ethiopia, the Republic of Rwanda, and the Republic of Turkey.
Rt Hon Trevor Mallard said, “This will be the first time a New Zealand Speaker has led a delegation to Ethiopia and
Rwanda. We share warm relationships and this visit is an important opportunity to enhance the links between our
legislatures and countries. We are visiting Ethiopia and Rwanda as an affirmation of our mutual commitments to
multilateral diplomacy and to learn more about our work with the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and the African
Union.”
“While in Rwanda, we will be part of commemorations of the 25th anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide. I am honoured by
the Speakers’ invitation to be part of this poignant commemoration. New Zealand remains proud of the role we played to
have greater international recognition and intervention to prevent the conflict, and the close political relationship we
have had with Rwanda ever since.”
“I am pleased to be taking the parliamentary delegation to Turkey and Anzac commemorations, at the invitation of the
newly elected Speaker Mustafa Şentop. Our shared experience on the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915 will always sit at the
heart of our relationship. There is scope to enhance our education, cultural, and business links with Turkey.”
Mr Speaker explained that visits of this kind promote New Zealand’s national interests abroad and also provide
opportunities to share parliamentary and political developments.
“Our democracy and Parliament is looked upon as having policies and practices that are useful models for others, such as
our select committee system and our innovative approaches to making parliament an inclusive and diverse institution. We
are constantly evolving. Hearing about new ways of doing things, questioning assumptions, and hearing first-hand about
global challenges is good for our institution and parliamentarians.”
The delegation takes place from 13 to 26 April 2019.
ENDS