xISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has felicitated his New Zealand counterpart John Key on his election as the prime minister of New Zealand.

“It gives me immense pleasure to extend, on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan as well as on my own behalf, our warm felicitations on your election as the Prime Minister of New Zealand”, Prime Minister

Gilani said in a message addressed to Prime Minister John Key. He said, “Your party’s victory in parliamentary election on November 8, reflects the trust the people of New Zealand have in your leadership to guide the country to greater progress and prosperity. I wish you success in your new responsibilities.”

The prime minister said Pakistan and New Zealand enjoyed close and cooperative relations, adding, the two countries had considerable potential for expansion of bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.