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New Zealand FM to sign new partnership agreement with EU

Xinhua, October 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully will travel to Brussels this week to pave the way for a free trade agreement with the European Union (EU).

McCully said on Tuesday that he would be signing the Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation (PARC), which commit the EU and New Zealand to cooperation and dialogue across "a broad range of issues."

"The PARC represents a significant step forward in New Zealand's relationship with the EU and it is the precursor to a free trade agreement," McCully said.

McCully would also attend the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, a gathering of representatives from up to 70 countries to discuss the government of Afghanistan's plans for peace-building, development and reform.

"The Brussels Conference is expected to focus on increasing the effectiveness of international support to Afghanistan and regional efforts to support peace and cross-border economic cooperation," McCully said. Endit