Max Key, the 18-year-old student son of Prime Minister John Key, got a special mention by President Barack Obama during John Key's visit to the White House today. Mr Obama said under their terms of leadership, "I think it is fair to say the US New Zealand relationship has never been stronger."
Prime Minister John Key flew out of the US after an Oval Office visit yesterday, saying: "It's hard to see the relationship getting much better."
His personal friendship with President Barack Obama, forged over Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks and the Honolulu golf course, has had pay-offs in the political relationship.
The golfing connection was evident in Obama's gift to Key, a putter engraved with his signature and the presidential seal and Key's initials, JPK, for John Phillip Key, along with some presidential golf balls.
Key left a set of black merino sweaters by Untouched World for Obama and his family.
Obama said he wanted to visit New Zealand during his presidency which is due to end at the end of 2016.
Obama said that under his and Key's leadership terms — they were both elected to office within days of each other in 2008 — "it is fair to say the US New Zealand relationship has never been stronger".
Key said the United States and New Zealand had a shared history "that words probably can't define".
"We have a feeling and an understanding of each other and we back each other up and I think that is reflected in the nature of the relationship."
