Interview with Ambassador of New Zealand to Korea Philip Turner

“Korea is an icon in the Asia Pacific for democracy, human rights and a free press,” said New Zealand Ambassador to Korea Philip Turner, when asked about how Wellington sees Seoul. 
“From New Zealand’s point of view, we see Korea as a fantastic partner to work with, to live with shared values and to build a better world,” said the diplomat. 
He predicted that the two governments would cooperate well with each other as both governments pursue shared values in trade and security as well as domestically in socially inclusive growth and income-driven growth. 
Ambassador Turner also said both countries have a lot of opportunities for future cooperation between Seoul’s New Southern Policy and the Pacific Reset policy of New Zealand. 
Mentioning President Moon Jae-in’s state visit to New Zealand on Dec. 2, he said, “New southern policy is pretty interesting to us.” 
“It’s part of the overall picture of how the two countries can do more in these turbulent international time to defend and protect the values of our way of life,” he added. 
Korea.net sat down with Ambassador Turner.