NZ Parliament builds on European links

19 October 2009.

The New Zealand Parliamentary delegation visiting the European Parliament in Brussels has reported a successful round of bilateral discussions that have reinforced strong links with New Zealand, leader of the discussions, Katrina Shanks MP, said.

"The meeting involved representatives of the European Parliament and covered topics of particular interest to our delegation including family and youth policies and multiculturalism.

"Relations between New Zealand and the European Union were also discussed and our delegation was heartened by the warmth of the response to our presence there.

"There was a strong sense of potential opportunities for strengthening our relationship through continued and regular discussions at an inter-Parliamentary level.

"The European Parliament is very impressive particularly in their ability to gain consensus among a range of political and national interest groups. We learned a great deal from our interaction with our European counterparts." she said.

The New Zealand delegation which includes Hone Harawira MP and Dr Rajen Prasad MP, has arrived in Geneva to attend the 121st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union which is being attended by 1000 delegates from 123 countries.