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(From New Zealand Press Association)
(Eds: EMBARGOED 0100 1/12)
Vientiane, Nov 30 NZPA - The formal launch of trade talks with the Association of South East Asian Nations ( Asean) announced today was a breakthrough in building closer ties with Asia, Prime Minister Helen Clark said.
The first joint summit between New Zealand/Australia and Asean in the Laotian capital of Vientiane was an important step in 30 years of efforts to build closer ties, she said.
Asean leaders have agreed to build a European Union-style block among the 10 member nations and it was important that New Zealand was there from the beginning.
``You need to be in at the ground floor when regional economic initiatives are underway and strategically this is the right time to be here,'' Miss Clark said.
``This agreement is a significant trade breakthrough and an opportunity to build closer links with our Asean neighbours.''