The presence of New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters signifies the growth of Fiji-New Zealand relationship.

Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum made the statement after he received a courtesy call from Mr Peters.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum updated Mr Peters on the historic breadth of Fiji’s global leadership, including Fiji’s recent election to the Human Rights Council, a first for a Pacific island nation.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum added that Fiji’s soaring economy, rising global profile and continued em- brace of international norms and standards had paved the way for a wider and deeper partnership with the New Zealand Government.

There were also discussions on the general relationships and the opportunities that exists for New Zealand businesses, New Zealand investors and Fijian businesses and Fijian investors in New Zealand.

He also highlighted how Fiji was keen to pursue cooperation that would build education capacity and other key economic sectors like Agriculture.

Mr Peters also met Minister for Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs, Inia Seruiratu.

The visit was an opportunity to consolidate the growing relations between Fiji and New Zealand at all levels following the recent announcement of a ‘Pacific Reset’ by the New Zealand Government.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Minister for Social Development and Disability Issues Carmel Sepuloni paid a courtesy call to the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa.

Mrs Vuniwaqa expressed her utmost appreciation for the opportunity to meet with the New Zealand Minister and to discuss the issues, challenges and opportunities in the disability sector and promoting social development.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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