New Zealand will establish two new positions in its High Commission in Suva.

This is to boost the heightened engagements anticipated as a result of the new relations between New Zealand and Fiji.

In a joint statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Inia Seruiratu and NZ’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, it says New Zealand will allocate new resources for development assistance in

order to leverage new opportunities, address common challenges and strengthen NZ’s relations with Fiji and the region.

The two Ministers are committed to continue strengthening of collaboration in the area of defence, particularly on peacekeeping and border security.

They are also committed to intensifying cooperation in the area of policing and border control to ensure security for both countries to combat transnational organized crime.

The two have also discussed growing relations in trade and investment and remain open to discussing issues surrounding PACER plus as New Zealand is committed to targeted assistance to improve opportunities for businesses and investment in Fiji.

In recognition of opportunities in the education sector, the Ministers discussed collaboration in the development of a research institute, reviewing of Fiji’s school curriculum, developing human resources and addressing skills shortages.

On labour mobility, Fiji welcome NZ’s commitment to strengthen the existing Recognized Seasonal Employer scheme and to explore opportunities to lift the participation of Fijians workers in the scheme.

Vice versa, New Zealand acknowledged Fiji’s leadership on climate change, and commended it for being the first island country to be elected to the Human Rights Council.

Fiji also accepted NZ’s offer to provide assistance for the successful delivery of the Asian Development Bank annual meeting in Nadi in May.