The Rt. Hon’ble John Key, the Prime Minister of New Zealand called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday (October 26, 2016).

Welcoming the Prime Minister of New Zealand and his delegation to India, President Mukherjee said India values its relationship with New Zealand. The sustained momentum of high level contacts reaffirms the growing strength and dynamism of bilateral engagement between India and New Zealand.

The President said India and New Zealand share a unique bond based on shared values and synergies, being two multicultural, vibrant democracies that believe in and respect the rule of law. New Zealand can be a key partner in India’s quest for food security. Bilateral trade in goods and services has nearly doubled in the last eight years. Currently, total trade in goods and services in 2015 amounted to US$ 1.45 billion.India and New Zealand can be partners in promoting security, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.The two countries can work together in areas such as maritime security, ensuring freedom of navigation and in countering terrorism. The President said there exists a strong desire amongst the people of the two countries to improve relations.

The Prime Minister of New Zealand reciprocated the President’s sentiments and said his Government would like to grow and strengthen bilateral relations. He thanked President Mukherjee for his visit to New Zealand earlier this year and said India’s economic growth provides many opportunities. There is a strong and growing Indian community in New Zealand.He said the high level contacts between the two countries provide the foundation stone for a better understanding of each other’s perceptions.

This release issued at 1230 hrs.