A Beehive press conference filled with effusive praise for the now formal US-NZ strategic partnership closed yesterday with a gaffe by Prime Minister John Key.The PM, perhaps with his mind on his next diplomatic engagement, inadvertently addressed US Secr
A Beehive press conference filled with effusive praise for the now formal US-NZ strategic partnership closed yesterday with a gaffe by Prime Minister John Key.
The PM, perhaps with his mind on his next diplomatic engagement, inadvertently addressed US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as "President Clinton"
He quickly apologised - backed by laughter and applause from the floor.
"Secretary Clinton – close," he said, as Ms Clinton covered her face with her hand.
"I thank you for your time here in New Zealand and I look forward to seeing President Obama when he is here in Japan next week."
"Thank you so very much, Prime Minister. I really appreciate that," an amused Ms Clinton responded.
Earlier in the conference, Ms Clinton praised the Key-led government's emphasis on an export-led economic recovery - an approach shared by US President Barack Obama, who hopes to double US exports over the next several years.
