In the morning of October 31, Renho met with New Zealand Ambassador Stephen Payton at party headquarters.

At the start of the meeting, Payton expressed his congratulations on Renho’s appointment as DP President, and stated he would welcome her visit to New Zealand.  Renho referred to her own connections with New Zealand, stating, “I am happy to be able to discuss the relationship between Japan and New Zealand.”

Payton stated that New Zealand would like to strengthen cooperative relations with Japan on topics of mutual interest such as administrative reform, economic cooperation, including TPP, education, sports exchanges, the United Nations, and earthquakes.  He introduced as one example, the New Zealand Hokkaido Dairy Cooperation Project, a study of grass farming currently being undertaken in northern Japan.

Renho commented, “New Zealand has worked well with nature and maintains a stable presence in the health and food production industries.  We would like to learn from your expertise in these areas.”

International Department Director-General Hiroe Makiyama, who also attended the meeting, said, “I had the honour to participate in a visit program organized by your government.  I was impressed by the existence of Ministry for Women, in a country where women are active participants.”

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New Zealand Ambassador Stephen Payton and Presiden Renho