PM WELCOMES US - CHINA SUMMIT

Prime Minister Jenny Shipley today welcomed news that the Chinese and the United States Presidents will take the opportunity of their visits to New Zealand in September, to hold a bilateral summit.

"It is pleasing that the United States and China have taken the opportunity of their New Zealand visits for a meaningful discussion between the two of them.

"New Zealand is the perfect setting for such a meeting, given our great friendship with both countries, and because we can offer a relaxed environment and a neutral location, which should encourage a free and frank exchange of views between the two countries.

"In my meeting with Chinese President Jiang last week, I reiterated our offer to facilitate a meeting and it is gratifying that his Foreign Minister and US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright have now announced that a meeting will be held.

"The US and China are both very important to New Zealand and we will do everything we can to facilitate dialogue between the two. A positive relationship between China and the United States is good for New Zealand and the other countries in the Asia-Pacific region," Mrs Shipley said.