Statement by President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins following his meeting with Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern.

President Michael D. Higgins today (Wednesday 25 October 2017) formally met with the Prime Minister-elect of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern MP. They continued a discussion that they had initiated at the State Dinner hosted by New Zealand’s Governor-General, and covered a wide range of issues affecting both countries.

The meetings were part of the President's State Visit to New Zealand. The President was accompanied by the Minister for Justice and Equality Charles Flanagan TD and the Chargé d’Affaires of Ireland to New Zealand, Geoffrey Keating.

President Higgins thanked the Prime Minister-elect for the warm welcome he had received in New Zealand and spoke of the close ties between the two nations, the decision of each country to open an embassy in each other’s capital, and the values they share, including their work at the United Nations.

Both leaders expressed their conviction that the President’s State Visit would strengthen links in the areas of politics, trade, tourism, culture and sports and stressed the on-going cooperation between Ireland and New Zealand at international level, particularly at the United Nations.

The President highlighted both countries’ efforts in the areas of international peace-keeping and nuclear non-proliferation, saying both countries will continue to work together to ensure the full implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Accord.

The President also updated Prime Minister-elect Ardern on Ireland’s bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

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