Portfolio: Foreign Affairs

NZ to help election in PNG

Admin — Thu, 31 May 2012 00:33:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Defence

The New Zealand Defence Force is assisting the upcoming June election in Papua New Guinea, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully and Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman announced today. “Following a request from the PNG government, New Zealand will support the local authorities in the delivery of a safe, free and fair election by providing logistical support and observers,” Mr McCully says. “We will work alongside the Australian Defence Force which is also assisting in the election process.” ...

Minister condemns Syrian violence

Admin — Tue, 29 May 2012 23:53:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says New Zealand fully supports Australia’s decision to expel a Syrian diplomat who was also accredited to New Zealand. “New Zealand stands resolutely behind the Australian action of expelling the Syrian Charge d’affairés from Canberra,” Mr McCully says. “I have been in direct contact with Foreign Minister Carr to discuss this action.” ...

New ambassadors and Consul-General announced

Beehive — Tue, 29 May 2012 03:49:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today announced the appointment of ambassadors to Thailand and Viet Nam and Consul-General in Shanghai. “Asia is a vitally important region for New Zealand and we are actively seeking closer relationships to ensure business and economic growth,” Mr McCully says. Career diplomats Tony Lynch and Haike Manning will be New Zealand’s next ambassadors to Thailand and Viet Nam respectively, with Matthew Dalzell, another career diplomat, appointed to Consul-General in Shanghai. ...

Pacific Day keynote speech: New Zealand Embassy, Washington DC

Admin — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:35:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Distinguished Guests, including Assistant Secretary of State Dr Esther Brimmer and, our moderator today, Mr Ernie Bower from the Center of Strategic and International Studies. It gives me great pleasure to be here this afternoon on this important occasion. Ties between the United States and the Pacific region go back as far as there has been a United States of America. It seems appropriate that today we should acknowledge the role of the Pacific War in reinforcing and strengthening our relationship. ...

NZ announces intentions for Afghanistan

Admin — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:00:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully has announced the government now expects transition in Afghanistan’s Bamyan province to be formally concluded later in 2012, and the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) to be withdrawn later in 2013. Mr McCully says the earlier conclusion of transition and withdrawal "reflects the outstanding work that New Zealand PRT personnel have done to prepare the province for transition to local control". ...

McCully announces embassy closure

Beehive — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:38:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today announced the closure of the Stockholm embassy in Sweden as part of $10 million of savings in the Ministry’s European posts. The Stockholm post was opened by the Clark government in 2008 and downsized by the current government in 2009. “New Zealand enjoys an excellent relationship with Sweden and with its Scandinavian neighbours, but in today’s world it is not always necessary to have a diplomatic presence to maintain such a relationship,” Mr McCully says. ...

McCully to visit Canada and United States

Beehive — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:34:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully will travel to North America tomorrow for a number of international meetings. Mr McCully is leading the New Zealand delegation, including Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman, to the 25th NATO Summit in Chicago. The summit, hosted by US President Barack Obama, brings together NATO members and contributors to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan. Mr McCully will also travel to Washington, New York and Montreal, Canada. ...

McCully expresses condolences at the death of Sir Geoffrey Henry

Beehive — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:54:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully has expressed his condolences following the death of former Cook Island Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Henry. “On behalf of New Zealand, I offer my thoughts to Lady Louisa, the Henry family and to the people of the Cook Islands who have lost a key figure in their recent history,” Mr McCully says. Sir Geoffrey, who was 72, twice served as Prime Minister of the Cook Islands - in 1983 and from 1989-1999. In 1992 he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth. ...

NZ backs UN mission, extends refugee support

Beehive — Mon, 07 May 2012 05:56:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Defence

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today announced further support for international efforts in Syria, including an offer to deploy additional military observers. New Zealand has offered the UN’s Supervision Mission in Syria a team of five New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel. Should the offer be accepted, the team will replace two NZDF personnel temporarily redeployed to the mission. ...

Speech to NZ-US Council 10th Anniversary Conference, Sky City Convention Centre

Beehive — Fri, 04 May 2012 06:35:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

The Rt Hon Jim Bolger, Ambassador Huebner, Parliamentary colleagues past and present, distinguished guests: thank you for the opportunity to talk to you today about the strong and developing partnership between our country and the United States of America. The ten years since the establishment of the NZ/US Council has seen the relationship gain remarkable momentum. I want to personally thank the Council for its role in getting us to where we are today. Next year the US/NZ Council, its American counterpart, will host the Partnership Forum in Washington DC. ...

Speech to NZ-US Council 10th Anniversary Conference

Admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:40:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

McCully to visit Middle East

Beehive — Thu, 03 May 2012 05:09:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully will travel to the Middle East tomorrow for a ministerial summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). “The NAM Ministerial Summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, is an excellent opportunity to discuss important global and regional issues, such as the ongoing conflict in Syria, with ministers from over 120 countries,” Mr McCully says. “It is a significant gathering to which I will convey New Zealand’s strong credentials for the United Nations Security Council membership in 2015-16.” ...

Forum Ministerial Contact Group statement

Admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

1. The Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group (MCG) concluded its visit to Fiji today. 2. The MCG thanked Fiji for making officials available for meetings. The MCG considered the exchanges and briefing useful for bringing them up to date on developments in Fiji. 3. The MCG also met with Fijian politicians and representatives of civil society and unions, and welcomed their perspectives which have contributed to the MCG’s understanding of the situation in Fiji. Written submissions were also received. ...

McCully to join forum visit to Fiji

Beehive — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:13:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister Murray McCully will travel to Suva on Monday as a member of the Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group on Fiji. Mr McCully today thanked the Fiji administration for its agreement to the MCG visit. “This visit will enable the MCG to resume direct dialogue with Fiji after a significant interval,” Mr McCully said. “New Zealand as Forum Chair has placed high importance on the maintenance of dialogue and engagement with Fiji. ...

NZ support for Fiji flood recovery

Admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:32:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today announced New Zealand will provide a further $1 million for recovery and reconstruction work following the severe floods in Fiji this month. Today’s announcement brings New Zealand’s total flood support to $2.25 million. “The devastating floods forced the evacuation of 14,000 people and destroyed homes, business and crops,” Mr McCully says. ...

NZer to head arms control arrangement

Beehive — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:31:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today welcomed the appointment of New Zealander Philip Griffiths to Head of Secretariat for the Wassenaar Arrangement – one of four main international export control agreements. Mr Griffiths is currently serving as New Zealand ambassador and permanent representative in Vienna. ...

McCully to attend Brussels NATO/ISAF meeting

Beehive — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:54:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully will attend a NATO/ISAF Foreign and Defence Ministers' meeting in Brussels this week to discuss the ongoing transfer of security responsibility from the international coalition to the government of Afghanistan. "New Zealand has a good story to tell about the provincial reconstruction team in Bamyan. The province was one of the first to begin transition over to full Afghan authority and I plan to update coalition members on our progress," Mr McCully says. ...

NZ condemns North Korea satellite launch

Beehive — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:54:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully has joined the widespread international condemnation of North Korea’s satellite launch today using ballistic missile technology. "Despite North Korea’s claim that the satellite launch is for peaceful purposes, this action violates UN Security Council Resolutions, aggravates tensions and undermines efforts to build peace and stability in the region," Mr McCully says. "It is a major disappointment following their recent agreement with the United States to put a moratorium on long-range missile launches. ...

Speech to China Foreign Affairs University, Beijing

Beehive — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:23:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Vice President Qin Ambassadors Distinguished guests Ladies and Gentlemen This year is a milestone year in which we celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and China. I want to take this opportunity to reflect on this journey – from modest beginnings, to what is now far and away one of New Zealand’s most important relationships. Let me be upfront and say that you could not get two more different countries in the world. ...

NZ to assist Fiji flood victims

Admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:24:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has announced that New Zealand will make $500,000 immediately available to agencies assisting flood victims in Fiji. "In addition to the reported deaths thousands have been forced from their homes and into evacuation centres," Mr McCully says. "The situation is severe as Fiji is still recovering from January’s floods and many response agencies will not have fully replenished their supplies. ...

McCully in China for bilateral talks

Admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:21:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister Murray McCully will travel to Beijing tomorrow for an official bilateral visit. The 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and China and the launch of the New Zealand China Strategy are two key subjects Mr McCully will discuss with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, during the three-day visit. "The 40th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the goodwill between China and New Zealand, and to further build on trade and other links between our two countries," Mr McCully says. ...

NZ concerned over North Korea missile plan

Admin — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:47:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says he has serious concerns about North Korea's plans to launch a satellite next month using a long-range ballistic missile. ...

NZ responds to food crisis in West Africa

Beehive — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:51:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

New Zealand will provide $1 million to a United Nations food relief programme in the Sahel region of West Africa, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully announced today. "Poor rains, crop failure and high fuel prices have led to food shortages and malnutrition across the Sahel region," Mr McCully says. "Almost nine million people need immediate food assistance and the crisis could affect 23 million people if essential needs are not addressed. ...

Minister welcomes constitutional talks

Beehive — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:50:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully is welcoming today's announcement of a constitutional consultation process in Fiji. ...

Visit of Australian Foreign Minister designate Bob Carr

Beehive — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 04:39:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Australia’s Foreign Minister designate, Bob Carr, will arrive in Auckland on Friday for a two day visit, Foreign Minister Murray McCully announced today. “I am delighted to welcome Bob Carr on his first overseas trip in his new capacity,” Mr McCully said. “He is well known as a friend of New Zealand and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. “The trans-Tasman relationship is a special one for both countries and is reflected in our close cooperation on the international stage. ...

Mihi Puriri consular case in Algeria

Beehive — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:59:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has confirmed today that he requested late last week that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade internally review the events around the Mihi Puriri consular case in Algeria. "I'm aware of some criticism of aspects of the Ministry's management of this case," Mr McCully said. "It seems to me the best way to deal with these criticisms is for the Ministry to report to me briefly on the actions taken so that we can see if any further lines of enquiry are called for. ...

Speech to the Middle East Business Council: Maximising Economic Opportunities in the Middle East

Beehive — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:23:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

I welcome this opportunity to speak to you about New Zealand’s trade and economic relationship with the Middle East and in particular the Gulf States, and to briefly look at the way in which we might move forward. There are, of course, a range of other very significant trade and economic relationships in the Middle East, but I have decided to focus my remarks today on the Gulf States, which come together under the Gulf Cooperation Council umbrella, and which are connected to New Zealand by extraordinarily good air services. ...

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade change programme

Beehive — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:44:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully has described the changes proposed by the Ministry’s consultation document for staff as “a far-reaching and genuine attempt to create a Foreign Ministry that can meet New Zealand’s current and future needs.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has today released a comprehensive set of proposed changes for consultation with staff following months of work by senior management, led by Chief Executive John Allen. ...

McCully to visit Cook Islands ahead of 2012 Forum

Admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:04:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister Murray McCully will travel to the Cook Islands today to meet with the Prime Minister and Cabinet members, and to conduct discussions regarding the Pacific Forum Leaders' meeting to be held in Rarotonga in August of this year. “New Zealand and the Cook Islands have a special and long standing relationship,” Mr McCully said. “My visit is an opportunity to discuss issues of shared interest as well as the 2012 Pacific Islands Forum, which the Cook Islands will be hosting in August. ...

McCully condemns escalating violence in Syria

Beehive — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:07:00 +0000

Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has condemned the escalating violence in Syria and described the killing of 50 citizens in Homs by regime forces yesterday as “reprehensible.” Mr McCully called for renewed attempts to secure agreement on a UN Security Council resolution on Syria. “New Zealand is dismayed by the escalating violence in Syria," Mr McCully said. ...