PM Bainimarama Receives Courtesy Call from NZ Defence Minister

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Prime Minister, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, received a courtesy call from New Zealand Minister of Defence, Honourable Peeni Henare, at the Office of the Prime Minister this morning.

Prime Minister Bainimarama formally welcomed Minister Henare to Fiji and thanked him for his first official visit to Fiji, which signifies the enduring partnership and strong friendship between Fiji and New Zealand. He reaffirmed the Fijian Government’s commitment to further strengthen cooperation with New Zealand in the advancement of common interests and the region’s prosperity.

Prime Minister Bainimarama thanked the New Zealand Government for its tremendous support provided to Fiji in the provisions of humanitarian, financial, and technical assistance in times of natural disasters and the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He recognised the shared commitment of the two nations in climate actions, disaster preparedness and resilience, economic recovery, and sustainable development.

Fiji and New Zealand’s ongoing cooperation in the areas of defence and security was acknowledged, reaffirming that there are potential opportunities for deepened levels of engagements and realisation of mutual interests on regional defence and security.

The Prime Minister conveyed the Fijian Government’s highest assurances to Minister Henare as he visits Fiji, and extended the Fijian Government’s and the people of Fiji’s best wishes to New Zealand Prime Minister, Honourable Jacinda Ardern, and to the people of New Zealand.

In response, New Zealand Minister of Defence, Peeni Henare said, “New Zealand is linked to the Pacific, and therefore we share key interests in a safe, secure, and prosperous region. Security in our region requires strong relationships. This is why my trip here this week was so important to me and to the New Zealand Government.”

“We share a strong bilateral defence relationship based on our whanaungatanga and valued people to people links. Our militaries have been working alongside one another for a number of years and may it continue into the future. Alongside Minister Seruiratu, we agreed to enter into a Statement of Intent, which will strengthen areas of defence cooperation. I look forward to working together to build long term relationships to realise our common goals.”

“Thank you again to the Fijian people and Government for your warm hospitality that you have shown me during my visit. New Zealand looks forward to reciprocating in the near future. Vinaka Vakalevu,” Minister Peeni Henare said.

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