United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has left New Zealand after forging stronger ties between the two countries and signalling her government's willingness to raise the level of the relationship even further.A southerly squall hit in Christchu
United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has left New Zealand after forging stronger ties between the two countries and signalling her government's willingness to raise the level of the relationship even further.
A southerly squall hit in Christchurch just as Mrs Clinton arrived at the airport to leave, forcing goodbyes to be cut short.
She hastened up the covered steps to the US Air Force plane, turning to give a quick wave before disappearing out of the driving rain.
Mrs Clinton had arrived in Wellington on Wednesday, going into talks with Prime Minister John Key and Foreign Minister Murray McCully before signing the Wellington Declaration.
It sets out a strategic partnership ensuring political and military co-operation, with regular high-level meetings that will be used to workout the next practical steps in areas ranging from joint training to climate change.
"I think we've always had a very close relationship on so many issues and it was important for me to demonstrate that very vividly," she said in a TVNZ interview.
"We work together on everything from climate change to (nuclear) non-proliferation, our soldiers are working together in Afghanistan...but I think there was a lingering impression the last 25 years had served as an obstacle to our close partnership."
Both governments have said the relationship is better now than at any time since the Anzus rift caused by the introduction of New Zealand's nuclear-free legislation.
Mr McCully has described the Wellington Declaration as "highly symbolic...the turning of a new page in the relationship."
Mrs Clinton wrapped up her visit in Christchurch yesterday at a public meeting attended by more than 300 people.
She answered questions from the audience and praised Cantabrians for the way they had handled earthquake recovery.
"New Zealand is highly admired by Americans who are intrigued by what you have built here, who are trying to understand rugby and the great attraction it holds, and who are very committed to learning more about New Zealand," she said.
Mrs Clinton is on a two-week Asia Pacific trip and today heads for Australia.
