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The development of New Zealand’s current relationship with Italy dates from the period of the Second World War, during which New Zealand soldiers participated in the liberation of Italy. This involvement has not been forgotten in either country and New Zealand’s role is remembered in many Italian towns and villages. In May 2004, Prime Minister Helen Clark represented New Zealand at the 60th commemoration of the battle of Monte Cassino. The Defence Attaché in London is accredited to Italy.
Italy uses Christchurch as a base and the two countries cooperate (under a bilateral agreement) in Antarctic research and exploration, as well as at meetings of the parties to the Antarctic Treaty. A film co-production agreement was signed in 1997, and a Social Security Agreement was concluded in 1998, although this is yet to be ratified by the Italian Parliament. A bilateral air services agreement was signed during the New Zealand Prime Minister’s visit in September 2001. Multilaterally, we enjoy good contact with the Italians and often there is a meeting of minds on major international issues.
Prime Minister Helen Clark undertook a short visit to Italy in November 2006, where she met with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi.
Land Area - 301,336 sq km Population - 58.5 m (2005) - Capital City - Rome
Political system - Parliamentary democracy Bicameral legislature: Senate 315 seats Chamber of Deputies 630 seats - National government - Centre left coalition - Unione - Last election – May 2006 - Head of State - President Giorgio Napolitano - Head of Government - Prime Minister Romano Prodi, Leader of Unione coalition
GDP - US$1,766 billion - Real GDP growth - 0.2% - Exports - US$371.6 billion - Imports - US$371.2 billion - Main exports - Mechanical and electrical machinery, textiles, clothing and leather, transport equipment, chemicals, food and beverages - Inflation 2.2%
New Zealand Trade (to year ended June 2007) - NZ Exports (FOB) - NZ$484 million - Main Exports - Leather of bovine, wool, sheep meat, raw hides and skins, whey, casein, fresh fruit - NZ Imports (CIF) - NZ$881 million - Main Imports - Medicaments, tractors, motor vehicles, taps/cocks/valves, electric headers and dryerstop of page
New Zealand Embassy Rome, Italy
The Safetravel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Italy [external link].
