[Source: Fiji Government/ Facebook]

Fiji and New Zealand have renewed their commitment to deepen engagement in key areas of development.

This includes an emphasis on economic resilience, climate action, trade and tourism, labour mobility, and people-to-people links.

This commitment was conveyed in a bilateral meeting held yesterday between New Zealand’s recently appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, and his Fijian counterpart, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

Rabuka congratulated Peters on his recent appointment and thanked him for his visit to Fiji, which, as his first after his appointment, demonstrates the exemplary cooperation and deep friendship between Fiji and New Zealand.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to further strengthen relations through the ongoing collaboration under the Duavata Partnership.

This partnership encapsulates common goals in climate change, economic resilience, and regional security and solidarity.

The two leaders look forward to the Officials High-Level Consultations to be convened next year to review the Duavata Partnership, reflecting the vision, priorities, and commitments of the two governments.

Yesterday’s discussions outlined the prospects for increased levels of cooperation in vital areas of development, including labour mobility, health, education, women and youth empowerment, and initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of our communities.

The prospects for enhanced connectivity, including visa-free arrangements and promoting greater opportunities through the Recognized Seasonal Employers Scheme, were among the key issues discussed and will be progressed in further deliberation.

Prime Minister Rabuka spoke of his vision for the Pacific region as a “zone of peace,” a concept to advance regional unity, solidarity, and cooperation in an increasingly contested region.

In his remarks, Peters said it was great to be meeting again with Rabuka, reaffirming the very close ties between New Zealand and Fiji—and with the Pacific region as a whole.