Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Enhancing trade and economic cooperation and engagement in the Pacific will be the focus when Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visits Niue and Fiji this week.
In his first visit to the region as Prime Minister, Luxon will be stopping at Niue on Tuesday before heading to Fiji from 5-7 June as part of the colaition government's efforts "to sharpen its focus and engagement in the Pacific".
Luxon said Niue and Fiji were two of New Zealand's closest friends in the Pacific.
"The government is committed to deeper and more comprehensive relationships in the region and this visit is an opportunity to reaffirm New Zealand's position as a trusted partner," Luxon said in a statement.
Niue marks 50 years of self-government in free association with New Zealand this week and Luxon will be meeting with Premier Dalton Tagelagi to discuss "mutual expectations and priorities, and how we can reinforce our special relationship".
In Fiji, he is expected to meet with the country's President Wiliame Katonivere and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, whose coalition government is having to navigate public outrage after Members of Parliament voted themselves a controversial pay rise last week on 24 May.
The Fiji government said Luxon and Rabuka are expected to discuss prospects to further strengthen cooperation on bilateral, regional, and multilateral priorities with emphasis on economic sustainability and growth, climate change, labour mobility, health and education, defence and security, people to people links, regional peace and prosperity.
"It will be an opportunity to reflect and refresh the ongoing cooperation underpinned in the Duavata Partnership Agreement," it said.
The Prime Ministers will also attend the Joint New Zealand-Fiji and Fiji-New Zealand Business Council Conference, a platform to boost economy, trade and investment opportunities.
Luxon said Fiji was a critical partner for New Zealand "as we navigate the increasingly choppy geostrategic waters ahead".
"Fiji is our biggest trading partner amongst Pacific islands countries and there is plenty of scope to leverage even more economic opportunities for Kiwi and Fijian businesses," he added.