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Prime Minister Helen Clark has indicated she is willing to put up with the negative aspects of not being classed as an ally of the United States as she continues her attempts to increase co-operation between New Zealand and the US.
Miss Clark's second visit to Washington as prime minister has been marked by the US Government's willingness to look beyond the stand-off over New Zealand's ban on nuclear ships so the two countries can co-operate in other areas.
Prime Minister Helen Clark says a meeting this morning with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has confirmed the nuclear stand-off is now an issue the two countries can work around.
Helen Clark told reporters after her talks she had given Dr Rice the same message she would take to President George W Bush tomorrow -- the need for more co-operation on a range of issues and New Zealand's desire for free trade negotiations.
"The nuclear-free policy is referred to as a rock in the road that you find a way around," she said.
"We have a very good intelligence relationship with the US, yes it was affected by the presidential directive as were the defence links, but that hasn't stopped very, very close engagement."
Helen Clark described the half-hour meeting as "warm" and said President Bush's second term in office had seen the administration become more willing to work with New Zealand despite its ban on nuclear ships.
"I think we have made a lot of progress," Helen Clark said.
Miss Clark said she was not pushing to become an ally of the US.
"I have made it clear I am perfectly happy with the status we have got and I haven't come here seeking to change that -- a very, very, very good friend is good enough for me."
Dr Rice thanked New Zealand for assistance in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
Helen Clark is not expecting any significant progress on a free trade agreement (FTA) during her visit to Washington, and New Zealand is not yet on the list of countries the US is dealing with.
Helen Clark said she was being realistic.
"These are very delicate times for the president...he has to tread carefully," she said.
President Bush is about to lose his power to negotiate trade deals, and the House of Representatives is controlled by Democrats who have been shy of agreements in the past.
Helen Clark said she had discussed Iraq with Dr Rice, but she had not offered any advice on the vexed issue because New Zealand troops were not involved in the conflict.
After her meeting with Dr Rice, Helen Clark gave a wide-ranging speech to the Asia Society, referring at length to issues in the Pacific.
Asked whether she was sending a message to the US that it should do more in the area, she said it was taking greater interest in the region but "could go a bit further".
- NZPA
