NZ Delegation Embarks on Key Pacific Tour to Strengthen Regional Ties

“The Pacific remains a key focus of New Zealand’s foreign policy. Engaging directly with all members of the Pacific family is crucial,” says Mr Peters.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a prominent New Zealand political delegation on a significant tour of the Pacific, covering Fiji, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and Palau later this week.

The delegation, which also includes Labour Pacific Caucus Chair Hon Jenny Salesa, Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee (FADTC) Tim van de Molen, and FADTC member Teanau Tuiono, aims to enhance regional relationships and reaffirm New Zealand's commitment to the Pacific.

"The Pacific remains a key focus of New Zealand's foreign policy. Engaging directly with all members of the Pacific family is crucial," says Mr Peters. He notes that this visit will bring the total number of Pacific Islands Forum member countries visited by New Zealand in 2024 to 14, with a goal of visiting all 17 by year-end.

The delegation's visit to Fiji is timed to coincide with the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting, highlighting New Zealand's ongoing support for the Forum as a vital platform for advancing regional priorities and addressing collective challenges.

Following the Forum meeting, the delegation will continue their tour across Micronesia, including the Marshall Islands, FSM, and Palau. "Every member of the Pacific family is important to New Zealand. This tour provides a valuable opportunity to discuss regional issues and deepen our understanding of Micronesian priorities," adds Mr Peters.

The delegation will depart New Zealand on the evening of Thursday, August 8, and return on the morning of Friday, August 16.