Gillard to be first foreign PM to speak in Parliament

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard will make her first visit to New Zealand next week and become the first foreign leader to address New Zealand's Parliament.

Prime Minister John Key announced today that Ms Gillard would visit on February 15 and 16.

He said a highlight would be her speech in Parliament's debating chamber on the 16th.

"She will be the first foreign leader to do so - this will be a highlight of the visit and underscores the special and unique relationship that exists between the two countries," Mr Key said.

"I believe her visit will strengthen the already strong partnership between New Zealand and Australia, and will continue a long-standing tradition of regular contact between the prime ministers of our two countries."

Mr Key said the Government would use the opportunity to push for further progress on a Single Economic Market.

The benefits for both countries of such a market included enhanced productivity, lower costs of doing business and greater opportunities for innovation.

"We want to make doing business easier, no matter what side of the Tasman firms are operating from."

Other highlights in the two-day programme would include an official welcome to Parliament, an official lunch at Parliament and an address to a business lunch in Auckland, as well as a school visit.

- NZPA