Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice and New Zealand Foreign Minister the Rt Hon Winston Peters.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters visits Washington

On Monday, November 20, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters visited Washington to meet with leading figures in the U.S. Administration, including Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice with whom he had a working lunch.

During the lunch, Secretary Rice heard from Minister Peters about his recent trip to Pyongyang, North Korea, and his discussions there with various officials of the regime. Secretary Rice gave an update of the six-party process and took the opportunity to underscore the value the U.S. places on the bilateral relationship with New Zealand.

“Today’s meetings were friendly and productive,” Mr. Peters said. “Secretary Rice welcomed the message I conveyed to North Korea, that New Zealand was willing to assist with economic development if it follows through on its denuclearisation commitments under the Six Party Talks.”

Also discussed during the visit were a broad range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, including the current situation in Burma.

“It is clear from today’s meetings that our bilateral relationship has reached a new level as a result of recent efforts by both governments,” Mr. Peters said.