Prime Minister Jenny Shipley today welcomed news that the Chinese and the United States Presidents will take the
opportunity of their visits to New Zealand in September, to hold a bilateral summit.
"It is pleasing that the United States and China have taken the opportunity of their New Zealand visits for a meaningful
discussion between the two of them.
"New Zealand is the perfect setting for such a meeting, given our great friendship with both countries, and because we
can offer a relaxed environment and a neutral location, which should encourage a free and frank exchange of views
between the two countries.
"In my meeting with Chinese President Jiang last week, I reiterated our offer to facilitate a meeting and it is
gratifying that his Foreign Minister and US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright have now announced that a meeting will
be held.
"The US and China are both very important to New Zealand and we will do everything we can to facilitate dialogue between
the two. A positive relationship between China and the United States is good for New Zealand and the other countries in
the Asia-Pacific region," Mrs Shipley said.
ENDS