Minister denies Pacific neglect

Press, 11 October 1979, Page 6

Minister denies Pacific neglect

|PA Wellington Moves towards a closer relationship with Australia ! would not be to the detriiment of New Zealand’s relaitions with other Pacific nations. said the Minister of (Foreign Affars (Mr Taiboys) yesterday. He was commenting on re- : marks made by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Rowlimg) to a combined Rotary Clubs’ meeting in Hamilton. Mr Taiboys said that, as | he had mentioned several days ago. he will leave at the end of next week to visit the 'A.S.E.A.N. countries. “I will do all I can to strengthen our relationship Iwith the A.S.E.A.N. countries in the economic as well !as in the political field. I have been aware of their potential over a long time now,” he said. This also applied to the South Pacific Forum. New Zealand had played an active role in the forum and had encouraged others to do so. “Our record in the South I Pacific Forum speaks for it- i (self. Hasn’t Mr Rowling ever) heard of the Pacific Islands

n industrial development scheme or the proposed rea gional trade agreement,” Mr 1- Taiboys asked. i- Mr Rowling had said that i- moves for closer ties with >f j Australia were obscuring the ;)}true direction of New Zealland’s relationship with the (-: Pacific, and that New Zearjland would be better served I- by looking towards strengthyening A.S.E.A.N. and the i.; South Pacific Forum. S•i.■ i ■ .i ii i ....