National Party.

• Position: ELECTION 2005 - Political party

The principal objective of National's foreign and trade policy is to advance New Zealand's interests in terms of security and economic well-being.

We are a trading nation, and a prosperous future for New Zealand is inextricably linked to a stable and prosperous world. New Zealand depends more on trade than do many other developed countries. For instance, our exports represent 29.2 per cent of our GDP compared with Australia's at 18.2 per cent.

Stability, security and economic well-being in the Pacific, and ready access to international markets, are therefore fundamental to our future prosperity. We must work closely with our Pacific neighbours, and Australia in particular, to contribute to stability in our region.

The end of the Cold War and the rise of terrorism have added a new dimension to international relations. Terrorism knows no regional boundaries. Consequently, New Zealand's security interests, like those of all nations, now extend more widely than our geographic location. Security considerations must evolve with that changing reality.

Nuclear proliferation is an even greater concern in this new and uncertain environment. In 1968, when the United Nations Non-Proliferation Treaty was signed, only five nations had nuclear weaponry. National will continue New Zealand's work to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

As a member of the international community, and one whose prosperity is totally dependent on a stable world order and open markets for trade, New Zealand must continue to work actively in the global institutions developed to enhance stability and prosperity, namely the World Trade Organisation and the United Nations.

In respect of international security, the threat of global war has been replaced by threats from terrorism, and from rogue and failing states.

These are threats to the freedom and prosperity of all nations and peoples. The National Party believes New Zealand must, as we have in the past, be prepared to play our part in defending the values of freedom and democracy.

It is self-evident that this requires New Zealand to act in concert with other countries and/or the United Nations.

In respect of trade, National will continue the largely bipartisan work to reinvigorate trade liberalisation through a combination of bilateral, regional and multilateral initiatives.

REGIONAL ISSUES

National's primary focus in foreign affairs will be on our region--we need good relations with Australia and all our...