KEY POINTS:
The first meeting between Prime Minister John Key and President Barack Obama is likely to be at the Apec summit in Singapore in November.
And while Mr Key does not expect an invitation to the White House this year, a spokeswoman said he hopes to have an opportunity to visit sometime during his present term.
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark visited twice in nine years, in 2002 and 2007.
Mr Key has told Mr Obama in a letter of congratulations that he could count on New Zealand "to be a good friend and a partner" on challenges ahead.
He said New Zealand looked forward to continuing talks on trade following the decision of the United States to join the Pacific four agreement last year, as well as Australia, Peru and Vietnam.
The Obama Administration has yet to indicate whether or not it will support the negotiations but outgoing trade representative Susan Schwab was optimistic last year that it would.
Among other issues Mr Key singled out for New Zealand interest was the global economic crisis, the threat of international terrorism, climate change and what he termed "non-proliferation of the weapons of mass destruction".
"Your leadership will be crucial in moving key issues forward," Mr Key said.
Mr Obama directed some of his inauguration speech to other people and countries, signalling a less aggressive approach internationally.
He referred to earlier generations that had faced down fascism and communism "not just with missiles and tanks but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions".
"They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint."
He also said that with "old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat and roll back the spectre of a warming planet."
Labour leader Phil Goff, a former Foreign and Trade Minister, said the Obama Administration provided new opportunities for New Zealand to work more closely with the United States, on top of the marked improvement in relations in the past few years.
Reference to nuclear disarmament and to climate change were "not the sort of things we have heard in recent years from neo-con administrations".
In terms of working on the economic crisis, Mr Goff said Mr Obama's belief in an equitable sharing of economic progress across the country was one New Zealanders would feel comfortable with.
Mr Obama's reference to understanding the responsibilities of American power was "hugely positive", Mr Goff said.
