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Press and Information
Europe Day 2010
Europe Day celebrates 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations in New Zealand
Minister Collins and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. George Cunningham
In a wide-ranging speech to around 200 guests at the Wellesley Club in Wellington on 19th May, George Cunningham spoke about the history of European integration and how the EU had enlarged to become a major world player. NZ had perceptively recognised Europe's growing significance early on by establishing diplomatic relations already in 1960. Since then it has benefited from a likeminded relationship with the largest economy in the world. Despite being half a world away, the number of official visits from the EU to NZ has been on the increase over the past six months, a true example of "distance makes the heart grow fonder". The EU and NZ are acting together in many international fora and because of that, Mr Cunningham noted that " NZ's commitment to the ETS is important and will help everyone keep the momentum going for the next major world climate change meeting in Mexico and beyond". Minister Judith Collins responded warmly "on behalf of a country that cherishes its European traditions". She noted the strong historic connections and the hard work being done together in trouble spots around the world, both recently in such places as Afghanistan and former Yugoslavia, and in past World Wars. Cooperation is nowadays so wide-ranging that NZ sees "the whole of Europe as one of our most vital partners in trade, education, scientific research, culture and personal linkages". Thus Europe Day 2010 demonstrated more than ever before the unbreakable bonds that tie the EU and NZ together.
George Cunningham's Europe Day 2010 speech: http://www.delaus.ec.europa.eu/newzealand/press/speeches/EuropeDay2010.htm
Minister Judith Collins Response: http://www.delaus.ec.europa.eu/newzealand/press/speeches/EuropeDay2010.htm
Photo Gallery
Hon Judith Collins, Minister of Corrections, Police and Veterans Affairs |
George Cunningham speaking |
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