European trade, security on agenda of first official trip by New Zealand PM

New Zealand's new Prime Minister Bill English will visit three European capitals next week in a trip to shore up trade and security links.

English said Thursday that his first overseas trip as the country's leader would take in Brussels, London and Berlin from Jan. 9 to 18.

"This is an opportunity to exchange views on a range of issues facing Europe and the world, and to reaffirm that New Zealand remains a committed friend and partner," English said in a statement.

"The focus of my trip will be to advance New Zealand business and trade opportunities in the region, including starting the negotiations on an FTA (free trade agreement) with the European Union this year."

In Brussels, English would meet with the three presidents of the EU - European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Parliament President Martin Schulz - as well as Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel.

In London, English would meet with Prime Minister Theresa May.

"I will be interested to hear Prime Minister May's views on Brexit and will take the opportunity to reaffirm New Zealand's commitment to working towards a high quality trade deal when the UK is in a position to negotiate," English said.

In Berlin, he would meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble.

He would be accompanied by Trade Minister Todd McClay in Brussels and Foreign Minister Murray McCully in London and Berlin.

New Zealand's ruling center-right National Party selected English as its leader last month after the shock resignation of John Key, who had served eight years as Prime Minister. Endit