11 November 2013 - New Zealand Prime Minister John Key will undertake an official visit to the Philippines from November 20 to 22, upon the invitation of President Benigno S Aquino III.

The two leaders will discuss issues of mutual interest and cooperation, specifically in the areas of trade, defense, labor, geothermal energy, and development assistance. The leaders are also expected to discuss matters on ASEAN, the Pacific Region, and the Mindanao Peace Process.

Prime Minister Key will be accompanied by a business delegation from various sectors particularly food and beverage, aviation, and ICT. The Prime Minister will be the keynote speaker at the New Zealand-Philippines Business Forum to be attended by leading members of the Philippine business sector.

The Philippines and New Zealand marks 47 years of diplomatic relations, which were established on 6 July 1966. President Aquino undertook a State Visit to New Zealand in October 2012. The last visit by a New Zealand Prime Minister to the Philippines was in 2007 when then Prime Minister Helen Clark attended the East Asia Summit in Cebu. END