NZ Prime Minister calls Hillary Clinton 'President'

By Jerram Watts

Prime Minister John Key made a slight gaffe in closing US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s press conference this afternoon – referring to her as ‘President Clinton’.

“So anyway, President Clinton…” Mr Key said before bowing his head, a broad smile on his face and mumbled something inaudible.

“Secretary Clinton… close…” he continued before concluding the conference.

Ms Clinton saw the humour in Mr Key’s gaffe, covering her face with her hand and smiling along with Mr Key while those gathered laughed.

Ms Clinton arrived in Wellington early this morning as part of her two-week, 10-day tour of the Asia Pacific region.

She met with Mr Key and other government ministers for top level talks today and will tonight be the guest of honour at a BBQ hosted by Mr Key in Wellington.

Ms Clinton will fly to Christchurch tomorrow to attend two American embassy events and visits US troops stationed at the US Antarctic Programme Centre.

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