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05/03/2025Published On: 05/03/2025
The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua received a courtesy call from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZMFAT) Divisional Manager, Pacific Melanesia and Micronesia, Mr Mark Ramsden, who has served as the New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji from 2013 to 2017.
The meeting convened yesterday afternoon at the Fiji parliament building in Suva, was also attended by the New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E. Ms Charlotte Darlow and Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Raijeli Taga, Deputy Head of Mission at the New Zealand High Commission in Suva, Mr Alex Shahryar-Davies, and Counsellor (Development & Regional) Ms Rachel Bennett.
During the discussions, Hon. Qereqeretabua expressed the Government and the people of Fiji’s sincere appreciation to the Government and the people of New Zealand for their continued support and collaboration. She acknowledged that this year marks a milestone – 55 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations, signifying the strength of our enduring partnership and shared goals on peace, security and prosperity.
Hon. Qereqeretabua reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to strengthen Fiji and New Zealand Duavata Partnership through a High Level Dialogue expected to be convened later this year. Similarly, she acknowledged New Zealand’s partnership in the development of rural and maritime areas in Fiji.
In conclusion, Hon. Qereqeretabua assured Mr. Ramsden, and High Commissioner Darlow of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs- Fiji (MFA) continued commitment to work closely with the NZ High Commission in Suva and Fiji’s High Commission in Wellington, to deepen engagements in 
gender equality, governance, health, housing, defence and security, private sector development, climate change and disaster resilience, labour mobility, education, agriculture and fisheries.
gender equality, governance, health, housing, defence and security, private sector development, climate change and disaster resilience, labour mobility, education, agriculture and fisheries.In his remarks, Mr Ramsden said that he was delighted to be back in Fiji and see the Fiji-New Zealand bilateral relationship continue to grow from strength to strength. He was pleased to brief Hon. Qereqeretabua and Dr. Taga on the wide-ranging areas of collaboration between the New Zealand Government and partner governments across Melanesia and Micronesia, including Fiji.
High Commissioner Darlow provided further insights into current priorities under the Fiji-New Zealand Duavata Partnership, including on economic resilience, social well-being, climate change and disaster management, security, and governance.
Mr. Ramsden and High Commissioner Darlow appreciated Assistant Minister Qereqeretabua’s and Dr Taga’s perspectives on both domestic and international priorities of the Fiji Government.
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