New Zealand PM accepts Obama White House invitation

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and United States President Barack Obama will meet at the White House next month to discuss a range of regional and international issues, Key announced Tuesday.

Key, who would be visiting the United States from June 16 to 20, was invited to meet Obama at the White House on the final day of his trip, Key said in a statement.

"The invitation underlines the very close relationship between the United States and New Zealand," Key said.

"I look forward to meeting with President Obama.We are likely to discuss the Trans Pacific Partnership (trade agreement) negotiations, to take stock of our bilateral relationship, and to exchange views on current regional and international issues," he said.

While in Washington, Key would also meet with a range of senior administration figures, congressional representatives and business leaders.

Key would also attend events in New York in support of New Zealand's bid to win a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2015-2016.