Jul 11 '91 10:52 MERT NAD/SEA 64 4 739355
JUL
Jel PUT
THE MINISTER of EXTERNAL RELATIONS and Trade
PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS, WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND
5 July 1991
MEDIA RELEASE
234/4/6
нки
NEW ZEALAND SUPPORTS PROGRESS ON HONG KONG TALKS
The
Minister of External
Relations and Trade, Hon Don
McKinnon, today welcomed news of a breakthrough in negotiations between officials in London and Beijing on the future of Hong Kong.
We
"Our trading future is inextricably linked with the dynamic economies of Asia. Hong Kong has an important place in this
region, and for
for that reason
have been following the
negotiations on Hong Kong's future closely. I am delighted
to hear that
that agreement has now been reached between the British and Chinese Governments on the airport development project and its financing," Mr McKinnon said.
"Uncertainty about whether or not the airport project would go ahead served no-one's interests. Neither did uncertainty about Hong Kong's financial reserves in
in 1997. Foreign and
local business confidence will now take heart from the
agreements which have been reached. I am sure Hong Kong citizens will also feel more reassured about the future of
Hong Kong in 1997 and beyond," Mr McKinnon commented.
"This is positive outcome to what must have beenn difficult negotiations. The significance of the agreements reached is obvious from the British Prime Minister's intention to travel to Beijing to sign them," Mr McKinnon observed.
"From New Zealand's point of view, confidence in Hong Kong and its future with China will be beneficial for our trade and
A successful and smooth
economic
economic links with both.
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