Merkel - Let's aim for modern free trade deal with New Zealand
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shake hands after a news conference at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, April 17, 2018. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke
BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Tuesday that the European Union should seek to negotiate a modern free trade agreement with New Zealand.
"We should have close relations between the European Union and New Zealand, especially in terms of trade, and we should aim for a modern free trade agreement that includes issues of social elements, climate protection, biodiversity and sustainability," Merkel told a news conference.
Visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said a free trade agreement with the EU would be an "opportunity to send a clear signal that not only does rules-based trade benefit us all but there is an opportunity to show our respective citizens the benefits that can develop from solid agreements".
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern arrive for a news conference after a meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, April 17, 2018. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke
(Reporting by Michelle Martin and Madeline Chambers)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern attend a news conference after a meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, April 17, 2018. REUTERS/Hannibal HanschkeGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern review a guard of honour during a welcoming ceremony at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, April 17, 2018. REUTERS/Hannibal HanschkeGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern review a guard of honour during a welcoming ceremony at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, April 17, 2018. REUTERS/Hannibal HanschkeGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern attend a press conference after a meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, April 17, 2018. REUTERS/Hannibal HanschkeGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern arrive for a a press conference after a meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, April 17, 2018. REUTERS/Hannibal HanschkeGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern review a guard of honour during a welcoming ceremony at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, April 17, 2018. REUTERS/Hannibal HanschkeGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks during a press conference with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after a meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, April 17, 2018. REUTERS/Hannibal HanschkeGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives for a meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern during a welcoming ceremony at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, April 17, 2018. REUTERS/Hannibal HanschkeNew Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern reacts during a press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel after a meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, April 17, 2018. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke
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