India-NZ can be partners in security, stability: Prez

President Pranab Mukherjee has said India and New Zealand can become partners for promoting security, stability and prosperity in their regions and beyond, as he welcomed visiting Kiwi Prime Minister John Key.

Key called on the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday.

Mukherjee, while welcoming the PM and his delegation, said India values its relationship with his country and the sustained momentum of high level contacts reaffirms the growing strength and dynamism of bilateral engagement between India and New Zealand.

The President, a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson said, said India and New Zealand share a unique bond based on shared values and synergies, being two multicultural, vibrant democracies that believe in and respect the rule of law.

“New Zealand can be a key partner in India’s quest for food security. Bilateral trade in goods and services has nearly doubled in the last eight years. Currently, total trade in goods and services in 2015 amounted to USD 1.45 billion.