PROFESSIONAL LUNCHEON
Murray McCully,
Minister of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand

The speech and Q & A will be in English.

"Japan-New Zealand Relations and the Rugby World Cup"

Fresh from attending the East Asian Summit over the weekend and a visit to South Korea, New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully will be in Japan this week to meet with Japanese counterpart Katsuya Okada and speak at the FCCJ.

While relations between the two nations are generally good there are some issues of concern including the passage through New Zealand waters of ships carry nuclear fuel shipments from Europe to Japan and whaling.

New Zealand is also actively pushing to be an important part of the proposed East Asian Community that would create a formidable trading block bringing together Japan, China, South Korea, India, Australia and the ASEAN countries.

The country is also seeking a seat on the UN Security Council during elections in 2014.

In addition to his international brief, McCully is also Minister for the Rugby World Cup -- a government position that underlines the importance of rugby in the national psyche. While in Tokyo he'll also attend the weekend Bledisloe Cup match between the All Blacks and Wallabies.

Please join us for what is sure to be an informative talk about both foreign affairs and sport.

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Sandwich Plate: Poached chicken with bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado & mayonnaise on campagne with onion & pickles.
Hot Plate: Baked trout with mousseline, green beans, almonds, crushed potatoes & mustard cream sauce, seasonal salad.

Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand.