Israeli president in N.Z. for short visit

Press, 10 November 1986, Page 8

Israeli president in N.Z. for short visit

PA Wellington New Zealand will get its highest-level visit from an Israeli politician when President Chaim Herzog arrives in Christchurch today.

The visit will be fleeting, lasting little more than a day, and will be marked by tight security. Mr Herzog, a constitutional and not a popularly elected head of State, is keen to emphasise increased trade prospects during his 19-day tour through Asia and the South Pacific. In New Zealand’s case

he will have his work cut out as the trade imbalance is 10 to one in Israel’s favour.

New Zealand last year exported a miniscule $1.13 million of goods to Israel, the bulk of that wool. In turn imports from Israel totalled $11.02 million, mainly chemicals, resins, plastics and machinery. While the Government has dismissed any chance of the visit’s having a detrimental effect on New Zealand’s lucrative trade with the Arab world, concern about Arab reaction has made some exporters

It is likely that official talks will dwell on the political situation in the Middle East.

The Prime Minister, Mr Lange, has said that the visit demonstrates New Zealand’s even-handed-ness towards the Middle East and be has dismissed any possibility of any danger to New Zealand’s meat markets.

Mr Herzog wall be in Christchurch because his Israeli Air Force Boeing 707 cannot land at Wellington. He will immediately fly to Wellington by an R.N.Z.A.F. Andover.