Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama held talks with Hon. John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand, at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the talks, the leaders affirmed that Japan and New Zealand shared fundamental values and that the two countries, which have enjoyed friendly relations traditionally, would further strengthen their bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Hatoyama stated that Japan, having started a program to invite 50 businesspeople from New Zealand to Japan last year, would launch an invitation program for 50 experts in areas such as agriculture and the environment next year.

Prime Minister Key stated that Japan-New Zealand relations spanned a wide range of areas, including the economy, people-to-people linkages, tourism, and sports. Prime Minister Key also welcomed the decision for Japan to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup and expressed his hope to share the experience of New Zealand, which will host the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The leaders also discussed matters such as economic relations and climate change.

After the meeting, Prime Minister and Mrs. Hatoyama attended a commemorative photograph session with Prime Minister and Mrs. Key at the Prime Minister's Official Residence.