The New Zealand Government aims to strengthen its relationship with Fiji’s Defence Forces, says Jonathan Curr.

The New Zealand High Commissioner said New Zealand and Fiji had a very close relationship in defence and security matters.

Mr Curr highlighted the recent bilateral defence talks between the New Zealand Defence Forces and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), which he said went really well.

“It has set out a platform of activities that would take place in the next 12 months and beyond,” he said.

“There have been talks about strengthening pre-deployment training before the peacekeepers go to serve in other missions.

“That would be an important part of our co-operation over the next little while.”

He said the New Zealand Government would work closely with the RFMF on the areas of leadership development.

Mr Curr also confirmed the arrival of the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Winston Peters in Fiji tomorrow evening for his two-day visit.

The arrival time is yet to be confirmed.

“It is not the only visit that we are expecting in Fiji this year, but to have someone like our Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister come here really sets the scene for us,” he said.

“It is part of the approach that New Zealand is taking towards our Pacific neighbours.

“We have a very special friendship with Fiji and it is right that our minister makes Fiji his first visit to a Pacific country in 2019.

“This will be the first visit to Fiji by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Winston Peters since our Government was formed in late 2017.”

He also said that there would be a lot to talk about and there are a lot for the two Government to do together over the next few years.

“It is a great opportunity to establish the relationship with Fiji’s political leadership.”

Edited by Percy Kean

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