Boris Johnson welcomes New Zealand’s foreign minister with case of English wine as he tries to strengthen links post-Brexit
The Foreign Secretary handed out the booze as he hosted Murray McCully in London for a meeting to discuss trade outside the EU
BORIS Johnson was pictured hauling a case of wine into the Foreign Office as he welcomed his New Zealand counterpart for talks on a trade deal post-Brexit.
An aide was spotted carrying the bottles from award-winning English manufacturer Three Choirs Vineyard, based in Gloucestershire, shortly before Murray McCully’s arrival.
The pair were set to raise a glass to strengthening ties between the two countries in the wake of Britain’s historic vote to leave the EU in June.
Before setting off for Europe Mr McCully told the media he was looking forward to meeting Mr Johnson.
He said: “This is my first chance to meet with him and we will look to cover a range of issues including our mutual trade and economic interests, and the broader relationship between our two countries.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs revealed earlier this year he was infected by the Zika virus several years ago, before the outbreak became a global health concern.
His media advisor said it was never formally diagnosed.
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Mr Johnson, who was brought into the Cabinet by Theresa May last month, is filling in for her while she is away.
This morning the Prime Minister’s spokeswoman confirmed the Foreign Secretary is still the ‘senior minister on duty.
But the advisor was quick to point out that "the PM is always in charge", and she “remains in close contact” despite enjoying a walking holiday in Switzerland with her husband Philip.