MPs broaden relationships in the Asia Pacific region

Speaker of the House of Representatives

For immediate release – 12 January 2016

New Zealand members of Parliament Lindsay Tisch, Poto Williams and Richard Prosser will attend the 24th Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in Vancouver, Canada next week.

The APPF is a forum for parliamentarians from the Asia Pacific region who meet on an annual basis to identify and discuss issues of mutual concern, with the aim of strengthening understanding and encouraging regional cooperation. There are 27 member countries, and the discussion agenda focuses on regional political and security matters, economics and trade, and regional cooperation between the member states. All the New Zealand delegates hope to deliver speeches over the course of the event, and New Zealand is also sponsoring draft resolutions supporting trade and increasing women’s representation across the region.

Immediately following the APPF the delegation will also undertake a visit to the Canadian Parliament. While in Ottawa the delegation hopes to learn about the recent Canadian Federal election, share New Zealand’s experiences of the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system, and discuss recent developments and perspectives on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and the New Zealand-Canada bilateral trade relationship. They will also hold discussions on legislative and other implications that have resulted following the terrorist attack on the Canadian Parliament, the experiences of Canada’s indigenous communities, and share with Canadian MPs the experiences of Māori in New Zealand and the Treaty of Waitangi settlement process.

The Speaker, Rt Hon David Carter, said New Zealand’s attendance at the APPF is a valuable opportunity for the participating parliamentarians and of wider benefit to New Zealand.

“The Asia Pacific region is dynamic and increasingly dominant in terms of its economies and global impact. The APPF contributes to matters of regional importance by developing and advancing a parliamentary agenda that supports the work of APEC.

Fostering inter-parliamentary relationships strengthens New Zealand’s international profile, builds links with other nations, and provides opportunities for New Zealand parliamentarians to engage on the global stage. Visiting the Canadian Parliament following the APPF is an excellent opportunity to foster the bilateral relationship between our two countries, and to share experiences and learn from Canadian colleagues.”

The APPF and bilateral parliamentary visit to Ottawa is taking place from 16 to 26 January 2016.

ENDS

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