New Zealand's High Commissioner to Fiji says a ministerial delegation visit to the country signals an important first engagement between the two governments.
Suva Harbour the capital of Fiji. Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Koroi Hawkins
Jonathan Curr said the visit, led by Foreign Affairs Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, comes at an ideal time.
Mr Curr said it was Mr Peters' first meeting with Fiji's government since he was appointed and comes after the government, led by Frank Bainimarama, was re-elected in November.
"This is a widely anticipated visit. We have been looking forward to this. There's a lot of new initiatives that New Zealand and Fiji will be taking forward together. Both under the 'Pacific Reset' and also under a reformed strategy for the aid programme with Fiji as well," he said.
The trip would give the two governments an opportunity to evaluate areas of need and focus, Mr Curr said.
"Climate change, defence cooperation, cooperation in other areas of public sector reform and business enabling environment, support for the National Disaster Management Office and how we help our neighbours in the Pacific, such as Fiji, deal with issues related to disaster risk and resilience, this kind of thing," he said.
Jonathan Curr. Photo: MFAT