Governor-General to visit China and Mongolia

The Governor-General, Hon Anand Satyanand, is to travel to Asia to represent New Zealand at the Beijing Olympics and to make the first State Visit to Mongolia.

The Governor-General and Mrs Susan Satyanand will arrive in Beijing on 7 August and will attend a New Zealand Olympic Committee function that evening where the New Zealand flag bearer will be announced.

On 8 August they will attend a luncheon for Heads of State and Heads of Government hosted by the Chinese President HE Hu Jintao before attending the opening ceremony at the National Stadium.

On 9 August they will travel to Qingdao, the site of the Olympic Sailing Centre, to watch several sailing events.  While in Qingdao, the Governor-General and Mrs Satyanand will also attend a ceremony where a sister city agreement will be signed by the Mayors of Qingdao and Aucklands' North Shore City.

On 10 and 11 August, the Governor-General and Mrs Satyanand will view a number of sporting events in Beijing as well as hosting a lunch for members of KEA and the New Zealand Alumni Network at the home of the New Zealand Ambassador.

On 12 August, the Governor-General and Mrs Satyanand will fly to the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, becoming the first New Zealand Governor-General to make a State Visit to the Asian nation. 

While in Mongolia they will visit an NZAID project and attend a dinner hosted by the President HE Enkhbayan Nambar while the following day they will meet the Prime Minister Sanjaagiin Bayar and Foreign Minister Sanjaasuren Oyun as well as visiting a nomadic village in the hinterland.

Returning to Beijing on 14 August, the Governor-General and Mrs Satyanand will view several more sporting events, including the rowing finals and medal ceremonies on 16 August.

The Governor-General said the visit to Beijing was an opportunity to represent New Zealand to the world and to support New Zealands' athletes.

"These Olympic Games are particularly special to our country.  Not only do they mark a century of participation by New Zealanders in the Games, but will also see the 1000^th New Zealand athlete participate in an Olympic Games.  All New Zealanders can take pride that a relatively small country has produced so many world-class athletes and feel privileged to be able to support them in person."

The Governor-General said the visit to Mongolia was an opportunity to build ties with the Asian nation, with which New Zealand established diplomatic relations in 1975.

"Since 1990, Mongolia has adopted a market economy and democratic government.  The visit to Ulaanbaatar is an opportunity to support Mongolias' development as a democratic nation and a more prominent role in regional and international forums."

During their visit to China and Mongolia, the Governor-General and Mrs Satyanand will be accompanied by the Official Secretary at Government House, an Aide-de-Camp and personnel from the New Zealand Police.

During the Governor-Generals' absence from New Zealand from 6—18 August the Chief Justice, Rt Hon Dame Sian Elias, will act as Administrator of the Government.

For further enquiries contact: Antony Paltridge, Government House on 04-382-0827