Fiji and New Zealand work to deepen their friendship

Acting Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says Fiji’s soaring economy, rising global profile and continued embrace of international norms and standards have paved the way for a wider and deeper partnership with the New Zealand Government.

Sayed-Khaiyum says at a meeting in Suva between him and New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, Fiji and New Zealand have explored a number of new areas of cooperation, following the announcement of a ‘Pacific Reset’ by the New Zealand Government.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the time is right for a 'reset' of our relationship with New Zealand as we work to deepen a friendship between two nations who share a commitment to the long‑term success of the Pacific.

He says there is a huge amount of untapped potential for our bilateral engagement, and Fiji is keen to pursue cooperation that builds capacity in education and other key sectors of our economy.

Winston Peters says they are pleased that Fiji will be present at the Pacific Islands Forum later this year.

Peters says they have to put the past behind them because the challenges and demands that face them screams out for attention now. He says that some of the initiatives that New Zealand is looking to help Fiji with include climate change, security, policing the fishing resources and capacity building in terms of skilled workers.

Peters also says that their Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will visit as soon as she can.