Following a meeting with the new Prime Minister Bill English at the Federal Chancellery, Angela Merkel praised the close and cordial relations between the two countries. The only factor that is difficult, said the Chancellor, is "the relatively great geographical distance that separates us, which means that we cannot visit one and other so often as we do other countries".

It was Bill English’s inaugural visit in Berlin. He has been Prime Minister of New Zealand since 12 December 2016. He was previously Finance Minister and deputy Prime Minister to his predecessor John Key, who resigned in December 2016.

Free trade agreement with New Zealand

Angela Merkel stressed that politics in Germany and New Zealand "are based on shared values". The Asia-Pacific region is one of the economically most dynamic regions in the world. As export-oriented nations, trade policy and free trade are extremely important to both Germany and New Zealand.

That is why Germany welcomes the intention of the European Commission to step up trading relations with New Zealand through a free trade agreement. The two leaders agreed that negotiations should begin as soon as possible this year. "Germany will exert pressure in the right direction," said the Chancellor.

Close interconnections on security policy issues

On security policy issues too, Germany and New Zealand are closely interconnected. "We are happy that New Zealand is also involved in NATO activities. I would like to stress the fact that we are very grateful and that we very much want to maintain these relations," underscored Angela Merkel.

The Chancellor also stressed the importance of dialogue and exchange between the people of both countries. New Zealand is a very popular travel destination for Germans. In particular young Germans make the most of the opportunities that New Zealand offers. "The 'Working Holiday' programme brought 16,000 young Germans to New Zealand in 2016. That is a real factor in our close dialogue and exchange," said Angela Merkel.

The Working Holiday programme aims to give young people between the ages of 18 and 30 an insight into the culture and everyday life in the other country. It provides for stays of up to 12 months. To help finance their stay, the young people can take on holiday jobs.

Angela Merkel and Bill English also discussed the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the EU, as well as displacement and migration, and relations with Africa. Other points on the agenda included the role of China, the imminent change in the US administration and relations with Russia.