NZ Foreign Policy: Key Cops Flak For Gulf Mission Miscue
May 13th, 2010
John Key’s decision to abandon his Gulf mission to return for the funerals of RNZAF personnel killed in the ANZAC Day helicopter tragedy is expected to delay the opening of NZ’s newest offshore post in Abu Dhabi. The Gulf State’s authorities are expected to defer approval in response to his decision. As Trans-Tasman reported last week, there was concern within the 90-strong business delegation his absence would reduce their standing in terms of protocol. Gulf states attach much significance to the presence of heads of Govt and Ministers with business delegations. While Trade Minister Tim Groser stayed the course (despite the death of his mother) the absence of the PM was not well received. It raises questions about the advice given the PM where national interests have to be weighed against an understandable human response to three service deaths on ANZAC Day. It comes at a time when the Govt is exhorting its offshore agencies and business leaders to get to grips more effectively with the dynamics and nuances of offshore markets.
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Duncan Cotterill