Prime Minister Fiame and Winston Peters at the singing of the cooperation partnership. 9 February 2024 Photo: Eroti Navulu
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa have signed a renewed Statement of Partnership in Apia today.
Peters and Minister for Health and Pacific People's Dr Shane Reti landed in Samoa on Thursday night on the last leg of the Pacific Mission.
The Foreign Minister said the Statement of Partnership sets out the priority areas for cooperation over the next four years.
Peters said the nations will work together on issues like climate change, human and economic development, and strengthening security to the region.
"As well as outlining our intent to work together on issues of mutual interest - such as climate change, human and economic development, and responding to an increasingly complex security environment - the Statement also reiterates New Zealand's commitment to support Samoa to deliver a successful Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this year," he said.
The Statement also reiterates New Zealand's commitment to support Samoa to deliver a successful Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this year.
Prime Minister Fiame welcomed the visit of Peters and the chance to "re-connect".
"He is an old friend. We are delighted you took the time to see us," she said.
After the signing of the agreement, Peters addressed visa-free travel pleas by local media.
"We have heard you. It is under consideration, we have to go back and consult our colleagues and give you an answer that will be real and will be factual."
Fiame said she looked forward to having a "broader platform to discuss" the matter and hoped to expand travel options to other countries outside New Zealand and Australia.
Winston Peters and Dr Shane Reti are in Apia today. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Eleisha Foon
Cook Islands climate support
On Wednesday, the New Zealand government committed NZ$16.5 million to the Cook Islands to tackle the impacts of climate change.
Peters announced the funding commitment in Rarotonga (Wednesday, Cook Islands time).
"New Zealand is supporting the Cook Islands with NZ$16.5 million in funding to respond more effectively to the increasing impacts of climate change," Peters said.
The financial support will go to projects, agreed with the Cook Islands, on issues like renewable energy, cycle shelter upgrades, battery replacements and water security, he said.
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown met with Minister Peters on the month that marks three decades of diplomatic relations with NZ and Australia.
Mark Brown, left, and Winston Peters in Rarotonga. 8 February 2024 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Eleisha Foon
Meanwhile, Tonga's Prime Minister Huakavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni has met with his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon in Auckland on Thursday.
The Tonga government said the pair discussed priority areas for cooperation and partnership, in climate change, cyber security, sports, health and education.