New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has been elected chairman of the International Democratic Union (IDU) at its meeting in Seoul, Key's ruling National Party announced Friday.
Key, who was represented at the meeting by Education Minister Hekia Parata, succeeds former Australian Prime Minister John Howard who held the role for 12 years.
The IDU represents more than 50 conservative and centre-right parties from around the world and its executive members meet twice a year to exchange views on policies.
"Many of the member parties face the same political and policy challenges, and the IDU has real potential to become an even better forum for the exchange of views on political and other matters," Xionhua quoted Key as saying in a statement.
"Taking on this role provides another forum for New Zealand to play a constructive role in international affairs."