This was the first visit of a New Zealand foreign minister to Israel. It was an opportunity to thank that country for its strong friendship to Israel dating back to 1948 and reaffirmed on later occasions. But while Israel had a resident ambassador in New Zealand, the latter, citing economic difficulties, did not. The prime minister hoped that this would be rectified. Text:
Prime Minister Yitzhak Samir met, yesterday (Sunday), 15.3.92, with Don McKinnon, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand.
The Prime Minister thanked the guest for the participation of New Zealand in the United Nations vote which annulled the Zionism-racism equation.
Mr. McKinnon requested the assistance of Israel, next year, toward the selection of New Zealand as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for 1993-94.
The Prime Minister briefed his guest on the peace process, expressing satisfaction with the progress achieved thus far - despite all the obstacles. The Prime Minister emphasized that, despite the misunderstandings between us and the Americans on certain matters, the performance of the United States in advancing the process has been most positive. The Prime Minister estimated that another round of talks - or maybe even two - may still be possible before the date of elections in Israel.
The Prime Minister expressed his hope that Israel-New Zealand relations will improve and grow deeper, and that the government of New Zealand will decide to station a resident ambassador in Israel as soon as possible.