Reinforcing ties with Europe and Parliamentary Union

9 October 2009.

A delegation from the New Zealand Parliament led by Hone Harawira MP will visit the European Parliament in Brussels and attend the 121st Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, in Geneva, Switzerland, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Dr Lockwood Smith, has announced.

Mr Harawira MP, Maori Party, will be accompanied by Katrina Shanks MP, National, and Dr Rajen Prasad MP, Labour.

Dr Smith said New Zealand has strong links with the European Parliament with meetings each year, alternating between New Zealand and Europe.

“The meetings take the form of bilateral discussions which provide an opportunity for MPs to build networks and share knowledge about emerging issues and their impact on New Zealand and Europe.

“The meetings support our important relationship with the European Parliament,” he said.

While in Brussels the delegation will discuss issues around the global financial and economic crisis, trade, integration of immigrant communities, and multiculturalism.

“The Inter-Parliamentary Union is the world organisation of parliaments of sovereign states and is the focal point for dialogue among parliaments of sovereign states and works for peace and cooperation among peoples of the world.

“Attendance at the IPU Assembly provides New Zealand with an opportunity to engage in a significant international organisation and to provide informal representation for smaller Pacific nations,” he said.

Panel discussion themes will include youth and democracy, organised crime, prevention, treatment and care of HIV/AIDS, and human rights.

Following meetings at the European Parliament, the New Zealand group will visit the World War One battlefields at Flanders including the Ramparts Cemetery at Lille Gate in Ypres and lay a wreath during the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate.