New Zealand Prime Minister John Key will visit Seoul next week for talks with South Korean President Park Geun-hye, Park's office said Monday.
  

Park is set to meet with Key next Monday to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in a wide range of issues, including trade and economy, Park's office said.
  

South Korea and New Zealand also plan to formally sign a free trade agreement during Key's three-day visit set to begin on Sunday, according to Park's office.
  

South Korea said the signing of the deal will further boost its relations with New Zealand.
  

Under the agreement, South Korea and New Zealand will remove tariffs on more than 96 percent of all products traded between the two countries within 20 years of the deal taking effect.
  

The deal is subject to parliamentary ratification in both capitals before taking effect.
  

The two sides have agreed to exclude rice, a key staple for Koreans, and other sensitive agricultural produce, including apples, garlic and chili peppers, from the deal. (Yonhap)