Goff off to Europe, US and Sri Lanka

Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff has left for a two-week trip to Europe, the United States, China, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and India.

His first stop will be Los Angeles, where he will open the new offices of the Consulate General.

After that it is on to Luxembourg for the latest round of consultations with the European Union, followed by two days in Brussels meeting Belgium's new foreign minister and key members of the new European Commission.

Progress in free trade agreement negotiations and regional and international issues such as North Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan and the United Nations agenda will be covered during two days in Beijing.

Getting a first-hand assessment of tsunami damage and discussing New Zealand's contribution to reconstruction efforts are the aims of the visits to the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

- NZPA