NZ governor-general to attend Polish president's funeral

New Zealand will be represented by Governor-General Anand Satyanand at the state funeral of Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria, the New Zealand government announced on Wednesday.

Acting Prime Minister Bill English said New Zealand cherished its relationship with Poland. "The loss of so many distinguished people is a tragedy for Poland, which is felt all round the world, "English said in a statement.

"New Zealand will be represented at the funeral at the highest level in order to pay our respects to President Kaczynski and his wife, and to express our sympathy with the Polish nation," he added.

Kaczynski, his wife and 94 others, including other leading politicians, military and business people, died on April 10 when their plane crashed in Smolensk, western Russia.

World leaders will attend the state funeral on April 18 at the historic Wawel Castle in the Polish city of Krakow.

Source: Xinhua