Key to chair International Democratic Union

Prime Minister and National Party Leader John Key was today elected Chairman of the International Democratic Union (IDU) at its latest meeting in Seoul, Korea.

Mr Key was represented at the meeting by Hon Hekia Parata who was able to accept the role on his behalf, and thank the retiring Chairman, former Australian Prime Minister John Howard who had held the role for 12 years.

"The National Party was a founding member of the IDU back in 1983 and the organisation has grown to comprise over 50 centre-right political parties from right around the world,” said Mr Key.

"Many of the member parties face the same political and policy challenges, and the IDU has real potential to become an even better forum for the exchange of views on political and other matters.

“Taking on this role provides another forum for New Zealand to play a constructive role in international affairs.”

Mr Key said that he had been encouraged to take up the role by John Howard and British Prime Minister David Cameron, and he was pleased to receive unanimous support at the meeting in Seoul.

As Chairman of the IDU, Mr Key will chair bi-annual meetings of the Executive Committee, which will be scheduled to coincide with existing travel commitments to Europe, Asia and the Americas. Mr Key will also be assisted in this role by the newly appointed Deputy Chairman, Tony Clement MP who is a member of Canadian Prime Minister Harper’s Cabinet.

More information on the IDU can be found on its website www.idu.org

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