Germany backs NZ-EU trade deal
A free-trade deal with the European Union trumps any moves to rekindle the nearcompleted Russian pact, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed at a conference alongside the German president yesterday.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Wellington on Sunday night, ahead of meetings with Ardern, Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy and Opposition leader Bill English.
In a joint press conference, Ardern moved to assuage concerns of European leaders over a clause in the Government coalition agreement with NZ First to revive the free trade talks with the RussiaBelarus-Kazakhstan Customs Union.
The EU was New Zealand’s priority, Ardern confirmed, jumping in ahead of a question directed to the president over whether any moves toward formal trade discussions with the eastern bloc would be viewed negatively by western European leaders.
Steinmeier emphasised Germany’s support for a NZ-EU trade deal, confirming it would do all it could to support the European Commission to work quickly.
It had emerged a European Union ambassador had made private comments to exporters that any moves to undermine sanctions against Russia would be taken with a dim view in Europe.
However, Steinmeier said New Zealand’s foreign policies were its own.
‘‘If New Zealand wants to negotiate with other countries, that’s fine. It’s up to them to make those decisions.’’
Two-way trade between the countries totals $3.1 billion while trade between New Zealand and the EU is worth more than $20b.
Talks on a trade agreement between New Zealand and Europe could be launched as early as later this year, with the EU wanting to launch and conclude free trade negotiations with New Zealand and Australia in the next two years.
Steinmeier said New Zealand had become a ‘‘destination of their dreams’’ for 16,000 young Germans in the past year.
His visit reciprocated former prime minister English’s visit to Berlin earlier this year. Chancellor Angela Merkel was last in New Zealand in 2014.
Days earlier, Steinmeier concluded a trip to Australia where the issue of refugees was a prominent item on the agenda.
He spoke with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on the issue two days before Ardern re-stated New Zealands’ invitation to re-home up to 150 refugees from Australia’s controversial detention centres at Manus Island and Nauru.
Germany has been a world leader in the acceptance of refugees but it has placed considerable pressure on domestic politics in that country, similar to pressure faced by Australia.
Steinmeier would not comment on the situation in the Pacific, just noting he was aware of New Zealand’s offer.
His visit included engagements in Wellington and Auckland and a state dinner at Government House in Wellington, before flying out today.