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28 September 2011
PM expresses condolences after loss of SAS soldier
Prime Minister John Key today expressed the Government’s sadness at the death of a New Zealand Special Air Service soldier in Afghanistan.
“I was informed earlier today that the soldier was shot while the SAS were mentoring the Afghan Crisis Response Unit during an operation in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan near Kabul,” says Mr Key.
“On behalf of the New Zealand Government, I want to offer my sincerest condolences to the soldier’s family, and the Defence Force community.
“I am saddened by the loss of this SAS soldier, the second from the unit to die in Afghanistan. It is a reminder of the volatile and dangerous conditions that our Defence Force personnel face in Afghanistan while serving their country,” says Mr Key.
“This soldier has paid the highest price for his service to this country, and we mourn his loss with heavy hearts.”
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27 September 2011
Flickr photoset: Meeting with China Vice Premier Hui Liangyu
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27 September 2011
Flickr photoset: Plunket Eyebright Awards
27 September 2011. Presentation of Plunket Eyebright Awards to winning teams in the Prime Minister's office.
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26 September 2011
Flickr: Celebration of Diwali at Parliament
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26 September 2011
Prime Minister Gilauri to visit NZ during RWC
Prime Minister John Key today announced that Prime Minister Nikolaz Gilauri of Georgia will arrive in New Zealand tomorrow for a six-day visit.
“I look forward to welcoming Mr Gilauri on Wednesday for our first bilateral meeting,” says Mr Key.
“The Rugby World Cup has provided an excellent opportunity for New Zealand and Georgia to deepen our ties. We will likely discuss developments following the global financial crisis, Mr Gilauri’s perspectives on Eastern Europe, and the Rugby World Cup.
“Georgia and New Zealand both count rugby as their national sport, and I know New Zealand’s stadium of four million has given the Georgian side a warm welcome during their spirited Rugby World Cup campaign.”
Mr Key will host Mr Gilauri in Palmerston North on Wednesday evening to watch the Georgian and Romanian XVs play.
“Hosting the tournament means New Zealand is in a position to develop new relationships in regions, like Eastern Europe, where we have traditionally not had strong ties,” says Mr Key.
While in New Zealand, Mr Gilauri will also meet the Speaker of the House and Ministers Power, McCully and Guy.
Mr Gilauri departs New Zealand on 3 October.
