Brussels, 26/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - The EU and New Zealand are preparing the ground for a new partnership framework, that will update the action plan of March 2004 and take effect in September this year. External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, who will be in New Zealand on 27-28 June, said on Tuesday in a press release: “We share the same goals and values with regard to respect for human rights, democracy and peace and stability. This is the sound base not only of our relationship but also of our cooperation in a range of issues, including increasing security in the Asia-Pacific region and climate change”. The EU is keen to work with New Zealand to combat climate change and improve energy security, and to seek an international agreement on an effective post Kyoto system, as well as in scientific and technological areas and air transport, the press release states. The Commission will seek to obtain a negotiating brief from the EU member states in order to begin talks on a more ambitious air transport agreement that would fully liberalise air services between the EU and New Zealand. Ms Ferrero-Waldner will meet, among others, Prime Minister Helen Clark, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Phil Goff. (ab)