Government faces questions over closer US ties after ambassador welcomed at Parliament
Image: U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly is introduced to Speaker Gerry Brownlee at Parliament during what the U.S. Embassy described as their first official introductory meeting. (U.S. Embassy New Zealand)
The exact agenda and outcomes from the meeting between the US ambassador and Speaker Brownlee aren’t being shared with the public, given the high stakes in the Pacific region and New Zealand’s close relationships with two major powers with competing interests.
Touches onconcerns about the close relationship New Zealand is building with the United States.. it seems to gloss over the obvious fact that our country’s largest trading partner is China and I agree with keeping our ties stable compared to unstable. Our govt needs to provide the public with more information about how it is balancing our economic relationship with China against our increasing ties with the US. It’s not enough to have officials taking pictures and talking about “enduring friendships” when we need to know the specifics about what is being discussed and agreed upon behind closed doors.
We do need more information on how our government is balancing this relationship with our ties to China. It’s a bit confusing to be honest on what’s happening without knowing specifics.
Some valid points about government transparency when it comes to managing foreign relationships.Begs the question of why the Government isn’t being more clear with the public about how these relationships are being managed and what’s being discussed….
Spot on, and it’s about time we had a more open and honest discussion about our foreign relationships. It’s concerning that we’re not being kept in the loop about what’s being discussed and decided behind closed doors.
We should be able to expect our government to provide full transparent info about our dealings with other countries, especially when it comes to partnerships or FTA etc.. et lal.
The timing raises more than a few eyebrows to be honest. Lack of transparency regarding this meeting concerns me.
The problem is, we’re being told precious little. Too secretive of their motives.
Was Brownlee briefed on the U.S. stance on critical minerals in the Pacific? It is as if we do not benefit from any of this. Our foreign policy record shows that our leaders have been quite vocal about maintaining our independence and sovereignty including former PM’s. However, this recent push for deeper ties with the US is nothing new.
A bit suspicious that the meeting between Brownlee and the US Ambassador is being touted as a straightforward ‘enduring friendship’ gesture, given the context of increasing strategic competition in the region.
Fair point being raised about the level of access foreign reps have at Parliament and need for transparency around NZ’s foreign relationships, especially with US and China.