PM, Key congratulate Obama on victory

NEW ZEALAND HERALD: National Party leader John Key spoke to media soon after the conclusion of the US election became clear, saying it was a "historic" win and congratulating Barack Obama on the win.

"I look forward, if I am Prime Minister of New Zealand, to having a strong working relationship with him. It is certainly a very historic day for America."

Prime Minister Helen Clark has issued a statement congratulating Barack Obama for becoming President of the United States.

She said the NZ government is looking forward to working with the new Obama administration.

"New Zealand and the United States have a long history of friendship and co-operation. We look forward to building on what is already a strong relationship with the United States," she said.

"Senator Obama will be taking office at a critical juncture. There are many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming. We look forward to working closely with President-elect Obama and his team to address these challenges."

Helen Clark also paid tribute to Senator John McCain. "I commend Senator McCain on a hard-fought campaign, and wish him well for the future."

Asked how it would impact on the New Zealand election, Mr Key said there was clearly a strong mood for change in the USA but it was "dangerous" to draw too many parallels.

"Whether that will pervade to a strong mood for change in New Zealand we'll only find out on Saturday night. Here's hoping."

He said it was important from New Zealand's perspective that work toward a free trade agreement with the United States continued.

He hoped the work with the P4 to include America would continue.

"We are at a strategic disadvatnage because Australa has one and we don't. At this stage, while it's difficult to determine whether Mr Obama in fact would have that prerogative from Congress or wish to progress an FTA with New Zealand, if I'm Prime Minister then I will work very hard to make sure our case is firmly heard in Washington and ultimately NZ is successful if at all possible in getting an FTA with the USA."