Official visits to Australia and New Zealand, 4-9 September

"The European Union -- a committed partner for New Zealand and the Pacific."

After receiving an honorary Doctorate of Law from Auckland University on Thursday, President Barroso delivered the University's annual Europa lecture on the topic of "The European Union a committed partner for New Zealand and the Pacific". The President stated his intention of ensuring the European Union steps up its bilateral relationship with New Zealand when the current Joint Declaration comes under review in 2012, and his belief that the EU and Pacific nations will enjoy increasingly deep relationships in coming years.

President Barroso also addressed and took questions from a large audience at the New Zealand - Europe Business Council in Auckland. The President congratulated New Zealanders for being "egalitarian, environmental and entrepreneurial" and expressed admiration for New Zealand's competitiveness and successful green growth. "The European Union wants to do business with you. We want to remain a top tier trading partner."

President Barroso's keynote address to the 40th Pacific Islands Forum in Auckland included €26 million in new funding to combat climate change and promote development. "If we want to alleviate poverty and boost prosperity in the Pacific, it can only be by making your natural resources work for you, not against you." The President urged a united EU-Pacific stance in global climate change negotiations: "We must continue to unite our forces and maintain pressure on all global partners in Durban."

In the keynote address to the Australia National University President Barroso spoke about the shared futures of Europe and Australia in the 21st century. He noted that "Australia shows it is possible to combine economic reform with strong social protections and progress," and stressed that " the European Union welcomes the Australian Government's efforts to tackle the carbon issue, and to develop a policy that will over time link to our own."

In a statement following his meeting with Australian Prime Minister Gillard, President Barroso emphasised the new phase of closer cooperation between Australia and the European Union: "We share a common heritage, core interests and core values: democracy and human rights, but also openness, tolerance and global responsibility." The two leaders agreed to work towards a new, ambitious Framework Agreement that will put relations on a new footing and also signed a new agreement in the field of nuclear safety.

President Barroso met Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Long, on Sunday. They expressed their commitment their commitment to further deepen the vibrant relationship between the European Union and Singapore, notably through the conclusion of a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. They also discussed the situation in the global economy and regional situation in South East Asia and the deepening of ties between ASEAN and the European Union.

President Barroso will visit Australia from 4-7 September and New Zealand from 7-9 September. In Australia, he will hold talks with Prime Minister Gillard and other political and business leaders and civil society to deepen the already flourishing bilateral relationship. In New Zealand, the President will meet Prime Minister Key and political and business leaders to discuss a reinforcement of our ties, and attend the Pacific Islands Forum to highlight the Union's role in tackling climate change in the region.

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