LATIN AMERICA

Latin American democracies with reformed economies are taking a much fuller role in world affairs

• In not much more than a decade processes of reform have transformed major Latin American nations. On the basis of vigorous democracies and strong economic growth their governments are playing an active and positive role in world affairs.

There is a natural affinity with New Zealand on many issues

• We find ourselves working comfortably alongside Latin American governments in a range of forums: WTO (where Latin American governments have been highly active in the Cairns Group on agricultural trade), APEC (Chile, Mexico and Peru), on Antarctic issues and disarmament.

There is a lot of potential in these relationships

• We can expect links with South America to broaden in much the same way as relationships with Asia have developed over a generation. Travel is flourishing, New Zealand is seen as a stepping stone to the Pacific and Asia, and we can expect to become a destination for students and working holiday makers looking for an English-speaking environment.

• The economies of the major Latin American states are large and expanding, presenting opportunities for New Zealand exporters. There is some reciprocal interest in a strategic approach to new-generation economic relationships. At the New Zealand end there is strong interest in getting to know the countries of Latin American much better. New Zealand government agencies have been investing in additional representation in the region, which will support these trends.

Are there any implications for New Zealand security policy?

The Latin American democracies are natural company for us on many international issues, including disarmament and security

• We are seen by key Latin American states as good company on a range of multilateral issues. There is no impediment to co-operation on international security affairs, and some natural affinities, including our disarmament interests and preference for multilateral solutions within a framework of international law. We have specific interests in common with Argentina and Chile in respect of Antarctica and the Antarctic environment. There are also some geographical affinities (isolation from northern hemisphere capitals and the maritime dimension to our security interests).

It is early days, but we are more likely in future to find ourselves working alongside Latin American states in multilateral defence coalitions

• It is difficult to see this leading to extensive bilateral defence links, at least in the short term, but we should remain open to initiatives from governments in the region. We need to recognise the potential value of having Latin American states take on a more active role in international security affairs, bearing in mind the still limited pool of active and effective peacekeeping contributors.

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