Co-operation hope after German visit

Press, 23 October 1978, Page 4

Co-operation hope after German visit

The visit of the President of West Germany (Mr Walter Scheel) is being seen as a start to economic and technological co-operation and development between New Zealand and the Federal Republic.

Mr Scheel said at a dinner in Auckland last evening that after talks in the last four days some "beginnings” Had been made in these fields. ■ The dinner came at the end rif a long and hectic day for the West German head of State.

Mr Scheel and his party drove to Lake Karapiro to view the world rowing championships, and then inspected the hill-country research station at Whatawhata.

The partv drove to Auckland in the afternoon where they attended a civic reception before moving or, to the formal dinner, which was arranged by the Germans for the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) and Mrs Muldoon. Mr Scheel said that the members of the German party had become familiar with New Zealand domestic and foreign policy. “Above all,” he said, "we have formed a picture of your country’s worries, particu-

larly the marketing problems with which your modern and| efficient agriculture is faced “We shall put to use the) knowledge and information 1 we have gained here at home. in Bonn, and also in Brus-| ! seis.” Mr Scheel said that West ■Germany! appreciated the iNew Zealand wilingness to! I share the knowledge and information gained in the An ■ tarctic. I "For our part, we are | ready and wiiilne within the I scope of our resources to be i a good partner to you,’’ he said. 1 In his speech at the dinner. IMr Muldoon told Mr Scheel. ("Your warmth, friendship, and interest in our country have won the respect and affection in full measure ot all who have had the honour to meet you.” Mr Muldoon noted that the two countries had much in common, and there were no impediments to friendship and co-operation between the two countries.

Briefly touching on Common Market matters. Mr Muldoon said that what New Zealand sought from the countries of the European Economic Community was acceptance that an agricultural country, which could produce efficiently and competitively, should have the opportunity of access on fair and secure terms to other markets.

In Wellington, producer board and Federated Farmers officials have said that they had “fairly encouraging” talks with the president of the German Farmers’ Association (Mr Constantin Heereman) on Friday. Mr Heereman was among •the German party touring with Mr Scheel. The chief executive of Federated Farmers (Mr R. D. McLagan) said yesterday

that the meeting had pro-; duced a fruitful exchange of; views on New Zealand’s agricultural exports to Europe. Mr Scheel and his wife. Dr Mildred Scheel, will attend a reception at Auckland University this morning, where the president will speak and unveil a commemorative plaque.

Auckland Airport will be the scene of an official farewell ceremony at 1.20 p.m The German party will leave New Zealand for Australia at 1.45 p.m.