4 Jan 2017

Belgian deputy PM to discuss free-trade deal with EU and NZ

10:49 am on 4 January 2017

Belgium's deputy Prime Minister arrives in New Zealand today.

Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs Didier Reynders.

Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs Didier Reynders. Photo: AFP

Didier Reynders, who is also the Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, will be in the country for four days.

Mr Reynders and New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully will visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where a pōwhiri is scheduled.

In Wellington, Mr Reynders will attend a blessing of the site for a Belgian memorial at the Pukeahu National Memorial Park, where he will lay a wreath and unveil a plaque.

He will also meet New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay to discuss the prospects of a future free-trade agreement between the European Union and New Zealand.

Mr Reynders' other activities include visits to Te Papa and Weta Workshop.