IN PHOTO: Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks during a news conference at the United Nations in New York in this March 10, 2015 file photo.
IN PHOTO: Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks during a news conference at the United Nations in New York in this March 10, 2015 file photo. Hillary Clinton is expected to announce her campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016 as early as this weekend, facing no substantial competition but needing to get her organization in place for the long battle to come. REUTERS/Mike Segar/Files

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has welcomed the news of U.S. Secretary of State and former First Lady Hillary Clinton’s bid for the presidency. He believes Clinton would be a “good political partner” for New Zealand if she becomes the next U.S. president.

Clinton had recently made the announcement that she would be running for President and ended months of speculation on whether or not she would seek the approval of the Democratic Party in 2016. The former First Lady had intended to run in the 2008 election but she failed to get the nomination of her party in favour of now President Barack Obama.

Mr Key said if Clinton should win the U.S. election in 2016, it would be a good thing for New Zealand since she knows the country. “I’ve met her on lots of occasions, had dinner with her at the Premier House a few times,” added Mr Key.

The prime minister had observed that Clinton was a “great” U.S. Secretary of State” and seemed to be engaged and knowledgeable with New Zealand. Mr Key believes Clinton has a “very good chance” of becoming the next leader of the U.S. He added that she has the potential to win since she has great credentials.

Mr Key is familiar with Clinton’s failed attempt in 2008. He said the Democrats have essentially owned the White House for a long time so anything is possible.

The prime minister believes the 2016 elections could be a “fascinating battle” between the Clinton and Jeb Bush, the brother of former President George W Bush, reports New Zealand Herald. Previous reports have indicated that Bush may likely announce his bid for a Republican nomination, according to New Zealand Herald.

Mr Obama had endorsed Clinton at a regional summit in Panama last Saturday. He said she was a “formidable candidate” in 2008 and became his great supporter in the general election, reports The Guardian. He added that Clinton has become his friend. “I think she would be an excellent president,” said Mr Obama.

Clinton visited New Zealand in 2010 as part of her tour in Asia-Pacific as U.S. Secretary of State. She went to Wellington and Christchurch during her three-day visit and reiterated US-NZ relations in defence, environment and trade.

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