Message from Mr José Manuel Durao Barroso, President of the European Commission to Mr John Key, Prime Minister-elect of New Zealand

Dear Prime Minister-elect Key,

On behalf of the European Commission, I would like to congratulate you on becoming Prime Minister of New Zealand.

My colleagues in the European Commission and I look forward to working with you and your new Government to further strengthen the important bilateral relationship between the European Union and New Zealand.

Europe has always been close to the hearts of New Zealanders. The people of Europe unhesitatingly feel the same way about New Zealand. With such strong bonds between us, I am sure we can go further in our ambitions to become closer together.

Our like-mindedness has allowed us to cooperate together in world fora, not least on climate change where our good work needs to continue. Our efforts in the Pacific as major partners are also of growing significance for the well-being of the whole region.

We hope you will take the opportunity to visit us in Europe as soon as your time permits.

I wish you every success in the exercise of your mandate.

Yours sincerely,

José Manuel Durao Barroso

ENDS

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