German minister hails Mideast peace on visit

German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer (left) enjoying the view of Wellington Harbour with New Zealand Green Party co-leaders Jeanette Fitzsimons and Rod Donald. Picture / Mark Mitchell

The Middle East ceasefire represents a great opportunity for both sides to move forward to serious negotiations and an end to the bitter conflict, German Foreign Minster Joschka Fischer said yesterday while visiting New Zealand.

Speaking after a meeting with Prime Minister Helen Clark and Foreign Minister Phil Goff, he said the chances of progress towards enduring peace depended on the determination of both sides.

"The speeches are very impressive, especially that of Prime Minister Sharon," he said. "Hopefully this will mean an end to terror and violence and a return to the negotiating table."

Europe and Germany were ready to contribute to the process, he said. "Whatever we can, we will do."

Germany had an historical and moral responsibility to the State of Israel, but also excellent relations with the Palestinians, Mr Fischer said.

Mr Goff announced moves to expand the number of young Germans who can take working holidays in New Zealand.

Previously limited to 2000 a year, there is now no limit, just as there is none on the number of New Zealanders who can have a working holiday in Germany.

Under the scheme Germans aged between 18 and 30 can stay in New Zealand for up to a year and work for their entire stay as long as it is not for the same employer for more than three months.

Mr Fischer said working holidays were excellent for improving people-to-people relations between the two countries.

He and Helen Clark also signed a film co-production treaty. It means that co-produced pictures will be treated as a national film in both countries, which is relevant for access to funding from the Film Commission or equivalent German bodies.

Helen Clark said Whale Rider, while not an official co-production, was financed from both countries.

"Its international success has encouraged us to progress this agreement with the aim of encouraging similar ventures in the future," she said.

Mr Fischer, 56, leader of the German Green Party and deputy chancellor, is considered Gemany's most popular politician, with poll approval ratings of 80 per cent.

He also had discussions with Green co-leaders Jeanette Fitzsimons and Rod Donald about his experience of coalition government - for more than six years now - with the Social Democrats.

"He highlighted the need to maintain principles but also be pragmatic and accept that compromise is inevitable in a coalition," Mr Donald said.

"He was candid about debates within his own party about Kosovo and Afghanistan [where Germany has contributed troops to peacekeeping efforts] but he rates both of those successes."

He leaves today for Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur and Aceh in Indonesia, all hit by the Boxing Day tsunami.