Highlighting the importance of India in New Zealand, Mateparae said it is people-to-people links that underpin our bilateral relations.
"New Zealand is home to people from all over India...As a testament to this Hindi is the fourth-most spoken language in New Zealand...We also have shared heroes. Mahatma Gandhi is an admired figure in New Zealand; and Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's legacy as Everest pioneers is also well known in India.
Noting that New Zealand has ambitious goals to develop closer political and economic relations with India, he said Indian President's visit and a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Kiwi counterart John Key "augers well for closer political ties."
Also Read
Mukherjee, in his banquet speech, acknowledged that both the countries should strive for more closer cooperation of all sides including on the economic front.
"We note with satisfaction a new momentum in our bilateral relations...In 2013, our bilateral trade crossed one billion US dollars. However, given the relative size of our economies and the wide convergence of interests in many areas, we both agree that the present level of trade and investment needs to be vigorously advanced in order to realise its substantial potential," the President said.
"We would very much like to enhance our bilateral co-operation in these areas, learn from the successful experience and practices of New Zealand and collaborate with you in creating new and innovative products and technology.
Touching the international issues, the President said
both countries recognise the imperatives of strengthening the UN system and other international organisations.
"We would like to see them reformed so that they remain relevant and effective in addressing the challenges that confront the world today. In this context, India stands ready to shoulder greater responsibilities in the international arena. In the United Nations Security Council, New Zealand has addressed issues of global security and highlighted the challenges faced by smaller states.
Mateparae had earlier stated in his speech that India has the potential to influence the direction and success of the wider Asia-Pacific region including New Zealand.
"A successful India will, over the next twenty years, draw global and regional attention, and with that commerce, jobs and opportunities. As active members of the Asia-Pacific region, India and New Zealand have a common stake in the prosperity and stability of our region.
He appreciated India's support for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2015-2016 and said "New Zealand remains supportive of Indian permanent membership of any reformed UN Security Council."
Mukherjee said the two countries recognised broad convergence of interests on regional and global issues and appreciated New Zealand's support for India as a member of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council.