Indian P.M. to visit in October

Press, 11 September 1986, Page 14

Indian P.M. to visit in October

Wellington reporter The Indian Prime Minister, Mr Rajiv Gandhi, will visit New Zealand next month. The Prime Minister, Mr Lange, said yesterday that on the several occasions he had visited India in the last two years he had developed a friendship with Mr Gandhi and developed great respect for his political ability. The establishment of a diplomatic post in Delhi, headed by Sir Edmund Hillary as High Commissioner, had strengthened New Zealand’s ties with India, Mr Lange said. Mr Gandhi’s visit, from October 16 to 19, would involve an exchange of views on a wide range of international issues, particularly on relations with the super-Powers and southern Africa, Mr Lange said. The visit would include the Indian Minister of External Affaire and Commerce, Mr Shiv Shankar, Mr Gandhi’s wife, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, and senior officials.

It will be preceded by a visit, beginning tomorrow, of an Indian Parliamentary delegation, led by the Minister of Parliamentary Affaire, Food and Civil Supplies, Mr H. C. Bhagat. The delegation will spend five days in New Zealand calling on Ministers in Wellington and looking at forestry and agricultural establishments in the North Island.