The First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones has met the Prime Minister of New Zealand John Key for talks on relations between the two countries.
Mr Jones also held meetings on Monday in the New Zealand capital Wellington with Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Agriculture David Carter, Dr Pita Sharples, Minister of Maori Affairs, Minister of Health Tony Ryall, and Anne Tolley, Minister of Education.
Issues covered in the meetings included economic development, rural affairs, language and education.
Mr Jones said: “This is the first time I have had an opportunity to formally meet the Prime Minister face-to-face and discuss a wide range of issues, such as economic development and education. I thanked him for inviting me as a guest to New Zealand and giving me such a warm New Zealand welcome.
“As countries we have much in common, from our size and history, through to our ambition to punch above our weight on the world stage.
“My meetings have covered a number of important issues where we can learn from each other, from how to boost agricultural exports to creating sustainable health services that deliver for our people. Our relations go from strength-to-strength and my government appreciates the links we have formed with New Zealand.”