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This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and republished with permission.
The New Zealand government has congratulated the UK and the European Union on the Brexit deal agreed this morning, four and a half years after the British people voted to leave the EU.
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta says that in recent months the government has stepped up its efforts to help New Zealand businesses prepare for the new era, deal or no deal.
“We warmly congratulate the UK and the EU on the announcement. We know this has not been an easy process and we recognize that there are more steps before the deal is finalized.”
RNZ / Dom Thomas
Nanaia Mahuta has congratulated the UK and the EU on the Brexit deal.
She says the government hopes to negotiate free trade agreements with both parties, but in the meantime, the issue of preserving access to quotas in both markets must be resolved.
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Both the UK and the EU have ensured that the deal will not leave New Zealand in a worse situation.
“In 2021, we hope to deepen our ties with both the UK and the EU for the benefit of our respective peoples,” says Mahuta.
“This includes the negotiation of high-quality and comprehensive free trade agreements with the EU and the UK, in line with Aotearoa New Zealand’s Trade for All agenda. These remain priorities for this government.”
This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and republished with permission.
