WELLINGTON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Prime Minister John Key will visit Antarctica later this week to highlight cooperation between New Zealand and the United States on the ice and to study issues facing the region.
Key is to visit New Zealand science and environmental management programs, view New Zealand conservation of huts associated with historic journeys on the frozen continent, and participate in a ceremony celebrating the installation of Maori artwork at New Zealand's Scott Base research center on Ross Island in the Ross Sea.
"New Zealand has a history of ground-breaking exploration, scientific discovery and involvement in Antarctica, and I am looking forward to meeting the New Zealanders who work there," Key said in a statement Monday.
The visit from Jan. 17 to 21 would provide an opportunity to see first-hand the issues facing Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
Key would also visit U.S. bases at the South Pole and McMurdo Station to reaffirm the close relationship New Zealand and the United States shared on the Ice.
"New Zealand and the United States have worked closely together in Antarctica for more than 50 years. Enhanced marine protection for the Ross Sea region, deeper research collaboration and improving the efficiency of our Antarctic programs are among our current priorities," said Key.
Feedback
RSS
