PM welcomes progress on US-Australia trade talks

Prime Minister Helen Clark remains confident that New Zealand will not be left behind as Australia and the United States move closer to talks on a free trade agreement.

Clark said New Zealand viewed positively the Australian progress during Prime Minister John Howard's visit to Washington.

During her own trip to Washington, in March, the Prime Minister was unable to get a commitment to talks on free trade.

But she said the visit had ensured that the US was aware of the need to deal with New Zealand in line with Australia.

Although Australia has declined to negotiate jointly with New Zealand, the Prime Minister said she was confident that the Howard Government was aware of the importance of "us having a place in the queue".

Because of that, she said, "We would regard it as a breakthrough if Australia can get talks started."