‘Common-sense’ policy

Press, 11 August 1982, Page 14

‘Common-sense’ policy

PA Wellington New Zealand’s foreign policy was based on common sense, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr Cooper) in his introduction to the Ministry's annual report. Mr Cooper said New Zealand had expanded its trade to an increasing range of countries, including some which were not traditional trading partners. “We have accepted that it is only through trade, through making the most of our opportunities, that we shall be able to protect a quality of life that many New Zealanders seem to take for granted,” he said.

A total of 63 countries now accredit ambassadors, high commissioners, or charges d'affaires to New Zealand, according to the report. Thirty-five are resident in New Zealand, 23 in Canberra., three in Tokyo, one in Peking, and one in Honiara, according to the report tabled in Parliament. Ministry staff numbered 593 at March 31, of whom 262 were in the overseas service. Total expenditure in the last year was $142.5 million. Mr Cooper underlined the importance of Australia to New Zealand, saying that this country recognised ’its relationship with Australia

was more important than with any other country. The closer economic relations agreement which would soon come into effect would bring about a significant expansion of free trade betwen the two countries by the gradual and orderly reduction of protection 'by both countries. Unlike N.A.F.T.A. it would provide Australian and New Zealand manufacturers with automatically increasing access to each other’s markets. Mr Cooper said. In an introduction to the report, Mr Cooper remarked that when he took over as Minister at the end of last

year the Ministry had to face changes. “New Zealand's overseas service has grown steadily over 40 years in response to our broadening needs and interests. With this growth has come an increased need to ensure that we have our priorities right. "Our resources are limited. We need to make sure they are being used in the most effective way. Tough choices are involved,” Mr Cooper said, noting the closing of the Port of Spain and Toronto trade posts and the New Delhi High Commission.