Tsvangirai meets New Zealand Prime Minister

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Wednesday held an hour long meeting with New Zealand Premier, Mr John Key in Wellington.

The two leaders discussed issues pertaining to political and economic cooperation between their two nations.

Prime Ministers Tsvangirai and Mr. Key later addressed a joint press conference where they emphasized the importance of the readmission of Zimbabwe into the international community.

Prime Minister Tsvangirai said at the press conference that it was important for Zimbabwe to ride on the Afro optimism currently obtaining in the global village and take advantage of economic benefits arising as a result of the renewed focus on Africa.

He reiterated that it was time to review the restrictive measures imposed on certain members of President Robert Mugabe's party more than ten years ago. He said the review of the restrictive measures should be done in response to the progress made by the parties in Zimbabwe. He however emphasised the importance of holding credible, free and fair elections next year so that the country can focus on economic issues.

New Zealand Premier, Mr. Key commended Prime Minister Tsvangirai for his commitment to democracy and for his efforts to find a solution to Zimbabwe's crises through peaceful means.

Mr Key said New Zealand would monitor developments in Zimbabwe and would consult with Australia and the EU on the review of restrictive measures.

New Zealand has contributed more than $5 million through Unicef to the Education Trust Fund which helped in the production of more than 17 million text books for primary and high schools in Zimbabwe.

Prime Minister Tsvangirai attended a Parliamentary session in Wellington and held high level meetings with other eminent members of the House.

Earlier, Prime Minister Tsvangirai toured New Zealand's world class wind energy resource centre. With its narrow islands, New Zealand has a good exposure to coastal winds.

The Premier also held meetings with New Zealand business community. The New Zealand leg concludes Prime Minister Tsvangirai's visit to the Far East which took him to Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

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