The working date for Rice’s visit is July 26, which will be after the Asean Regional Forum in Singapore.
The working date of Rudd’s visit is Aug. 18, which would mean a stop in New Zealand on his way to the Pacific Islands Forum in Niue.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will be attending the forum in Singapore and has developed a strong working relationship with Rice, especially on the issue of North Korea’s denuclearization.
Relations between the United States and New Zealand have improved markedly in the past few years.
Rudd has visited New Zealand before but not since becoming prime minister last November. Rudd is expected to hold bilateral talks in Auckland.
