Minister for Foreign Affairs Winston Peters alongside Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti kick off 2024 reaffirming the importance of New Zealand’s connections to the Pacific by visiting Tonga, Cook Islands and Samoa.
The New Zealand delegation left on Waitangi day for a five day mission.
Minister Peters says, “New Zealand enjoys strong and long-standing relationships with our Pacific partners – especially in Polynesia, where we have close political, economic, and people-to-people ties.”
“This trip is an opportunity for New Zealand to continue to strengthen and progress our bilateral cooperation with Tonga, Cook Islands, and Samoa while supporting each country’s respective development goals.
Minister Reti says he is pleased to undertake a visit to Polynesia, representing both his portfolios.
“New Zealand has deep and longstanding cultural links with the Cook Islands, Samoa and Tonga, and I am looking forward to reinforcing those, as well as discussing the shared issues our communities face in New Zealand and the Pacific, particularly in health.”
The Ministers will meet with the Acting Prime Minister in Tonga, and the Prime Ministers of Cook Islands and Samoa; undertake calls on cultural, community and political leaders; and visit New Zealand-supported activities.
Minister Reti will also meet with select health officials in each country to discuss New Zealand’s role in working together to deliver on long-term health priorities, both nationally and regionally.
The delegation will return on Saturday.
