British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said in Wellington on Tuesday that New Zealand is "at the front of the queue" to conclude a Free Trade Agreement with the British government after Brexit.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee hosted a press conference after meeting with Johnson. Brownlee said that the two parties reaffirmed their strong interests in swiftly concluding the bilateral FTA once the UK has formally exited the European Union.
"A comprehensive agreement will help us grow and bring our two countries even closer," said Brownlee in Beehive, the parliament building of New Zealand.
When talked about the possible FTA with New Zealand, Johnson emphasized that the Brexit "was not, is not, will not" be that Britain turns off from the world.
He said that the British government wants to keep a good relationship with European friends, at the same time, to rediscover and intensify friendship and partnership around the world.
Johnson told his counterpart in New Zealand, that "we see New Zealand at the front of the queue (to conclude an FTA with the UK after Breixt)."
After the press conference, Brownlee was asked by the media if the conclusion of an FTA with Britain would take many years.
"maybe, maybe not," Brownlee said.
According to New Zealand Foreign Minister, the two countries also agree to launch a people-to-people dialogue, which will provide a forum to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including improving the opportunities that exist for people to live and work in each other's countries.
Johnson also responded to questions on the British government tightening immigration regulations during the conference.
He said that it's not about hostile to immigrations and open to talents is a good thing. "We love Kiwis coming to our country," Johnson said.
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