Macron nod to trade talks
French President Emmanuel Macron has given France’s approval for the EU-New Zealand free-trade negotiations to begin in earnest. Macron voiced support for the trade negotiations after meeting Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the Elysees Palace last night.
He said he and Ardern had agreed that trade agreements should address social responsibility.
“I believe there is a new generation of trade agreements we can take forward and the agreement between the EU and New Zealand can set a standard.”
Ardern welcomed Macron’s support and also spoke of allowing the agreement to include issues such as climate change.
“I hope the EU FTA agreement with New Zealand will be a model of what is possible in that regard.”
The European Council is expected to decide on the mandate for talks to begin in May and Ardern wanted to ensure Macron was on board because of sensitivities around agriculture in France.
Macron has asked for New Zealand’s support in the fight against Islamic State (Isis).
He thanked Ardern for an invitation to visit New Zealand and spoke of the close relations between the two countries, although there was some “friendly confrontation” in rugby with a tour planned in June.
Macron indicated he was open to visiting New Zealand, saying he “would have occasion” to visit after the PM’s invitation. If he comes, it will be the first visit by a French President to New Zealand.
Ardern said New Zealand and France had shared a long relationship. “The importance of that relationship has grown in recent times.”
She said they discussed the global fight against terrorism and climate change “and our concerns around the rising tide of protectionism”.
“We’ve agreed to extend our cooperation into the area of climatefriendly agriculture,” meaning technology that helped reduce the emissions of food production.
Ardern was also due to meet Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau overnight.