New Zealand hosts Pacific leaders

Foreign Minister Winston Peters will meet Pacific counterparts from Niue, Fiji and Samoa in Auckland today.

“In these uncertain geostrategic times in our region, it is more important than ever that we connect with fellow Pacific leaders,” Mr Peters says.

Mr Peters will hold talks with Niue’s Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi, Fiji’s Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Sakiasi Ditoka and Samoa’s Commerce, Industry and Labour Minister Afioga Fata Ryan Schuster.

This is Mr Peters’ first in-person meeting with Niuean Prime Minister Tagelagi since his re-election in May.

“New Zealand and Niue’s constitutional relationship remains strong, underpinned by shared values, close people-to-people ties, and a commitment to working together for our mutual benefit, as demonstrated by the Political Declaration signed last year,” Mr Peters says.

Mr Peters will also meet Fijian Minister Ditoka and Samoan Minister Fata, who are attending the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership Ministerial Meeting in Auckland, being hosted by Trade Minister Hon Todd McClay, as guests of New Zealand. 

“Minister Ditoka’s first visit to New Zealand as Foreign Minister will provide an excellent opportunity to discuss the strengthening of our bilateral relationship across a number of areas,” Mr Peters says.

“We are also pleased to host Minister Fata in New Zealand so soon after our visit to Samoa for its Independence Day celebrations in June,” Mr Peters said. ...