Trade on the agenda as Boris Johnson lands in Wellington
The controversial force behind 'Brexit' arrives for two-day visit.
UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson landed in Wellington at 6.30pm today for talks on trade, foreign policy and international security issues.
During a two-day visit to New Zealand, the controversial 'Brexit' campaigner will meet Prime Minister Bill English, Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee and other senior politicians.
Top of the agenda will be a possible free trade deal, or at least an expanded trade pact, once the UK negotiates its "Brexit" from the European Union.
During his visit, the Foreign Secretary will also unveil a new UK War Memorial in Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, and lay a wreath to commemorate the shared sacrifice of the armed forces of both countries and honour the memory of the New Zealanders who died in conflict since World War I. The memorial has been designed by Weta Workshop, the design company responsible for the production design and graphic effects in the Lord of the Rings movies.
The UK High Commission says he will also promote deeper UK-New Zealand engagement on infrastructure planning, funding and delivery in an event with Minister for Infrastructure Steven Joyce and Minister for Transport Simon Bridges. The UK has world-class expertise in infrastructure investment.
Also on Mr Johnson's agenda is a trip to Kaikōura with Civil Defence Minister Nathan Guy to thank the community who helped 200 Britons in the aftermath of the earthquake in November 2016, by providing food and shelter. He will receive a traditional powhiri Maori welcome and see the work under way to bring the town back to its pre-earthquake vibrancy.
And he will also discuss the illegal wildlife trade with the Conservation Minister Maggie Barry during a visit to the Zealandia eco-centre.
The Foreign Secretary’s visit to New Zealand is the second stage of a three country trip. He held two days of talks in Japan last week and will travel to Sydney later this week.
Staff Reporter
Sun, 23 Jul 2017
Sun, 23 Jul 2017
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Trade on the agenda as Boris Johnson lands in Wellington
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