Bilateral talks between the Prime Ministers of Fiji and New Zealand included cooperation in trade, investment, climate change, Labour mobility and universal concerns around international crime particularly on drugs and human trafficking.
Both leaders held a joint press conference this morning as part of PM Luxon’s first official visit to the Pacific nation.
During the media stand up Prime Minister Luxon also announced that his cabinet has agreed to lift transit visa requirements for Fijians travelling through New Zealand.
The sanctions were imposed by the Labour-led government in 2006 in response to the Fijian military’s unlawful seizure of power.
Mr Luxon says, “This is a tangible demonstration of New Zealand’s commitment to Fiji, and the value we place on our bilateral relationship.”
“This change will mean that Fijian nationals will be able to transit New Zealand with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), similar to many other Pacific countries,” Mr Luxon says.
PM Rabuka repeated ‘vinaka’, ‘vinaka’ as Mr Luxon outlined the changes.
While work to implement the change for the Transit visa is still underway, including changes to immigration regulations, Fiji nationals transiting New Zealand will still need a Transit Visa
Rabuka says, “we have very deep historical and cultural and interpersonal connections we share with NZ.”
“Notably NZ is among the very first countries to formalise our relationship and we continue to develop it and reaffirm our commitment to the Duavata unity agreement,” says Rabuka.
PM Luxon also acknowledged Fiji as NZ’s 24th biggest trading partner worth NZ$1.4 billion in two-way trade.
Both leaders announced that together they have asked their countries to strive to deliver NZ$2 billion trade by 2030.
Mr Luxon also announced funding for several other initiatives in Fiji through New Zealand’s International Development Cooperation programme:
- A further NZ$3.6 million to Fiji’s Climate Relocation of Communities Trust Fund.
- Funding of NZ$572,000 for an upgrade to the High Temperature Forced Air (HTFA) Facility at Nadi International Airport alongside Australia, to help Fijian horticultural exporters meet New Zealand’s strict biosecurity requirements.
- NZ$15.3 million for a New Zealand Plant and Food Research-led programme to support farmers in five Pacific countries, including Fiji, to adapt to the impacts of climate change on production.
- NZ$7.5 million for the Government of Fiji’s economic reform programme, which is focused on improving fiscal management and sustainability, and economic resilience.
