Year of Friendship reception

Minister Murray McCully delivering a speech at the Korea-New Zealand Year of Friendship reception.

To mark the visit by Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully, Ambassador Rata hosted a reception to celebrate the Year of Friendship between Korea and New Zealand on Thursday 6 September. In his speech, Minister McCully noted the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries, exciting new areas of cooperation including on Antarctic, and successes of Korean New Zealanders such as golfer Lydia Ko. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahn Ho-young replied on behalf of the Korean Government, noting his own personal experiences in working with New Zealand and the level of affection between the two countries.

The reception was attended by around one hundred key figures in the bilateral relationship between Korea and New Zealand, including members of the National Assembly, prominent business community members, senior officials, members of art and culture community, and the board of the Kiwi Chamber of Commerce in Korea.

2012 was designated as the Korea-New Zealand Year of Friendship during a bilateral summit meeting in July 2010 between President Lee Myung-bak of Korea and Prime Minister John Key of New Zealand. It celebrates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Events and activities celebrating the anniversary are being held in both countries throughout the year.

Attachment
Minister McCully Speech to Year of Friendship 2012 Reception.pdf