The Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, Honourable Carmel Sepuloni met with Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka. She further reaffirmed New Zealand’s support to the People’s Coalition Government led by Prime Minister Rabuka. The meeting took place at the margins of the Pacific Island Leaders Forum Special Retreat held in Nadi this week from Thursday 23 to Friday 24 February 2023. He congratulated Deputy Prime Minister Sepuloni for the proud accomplishment for being the first Pasifika Deputy Prime Minister. New Zealand and Fiji share a special bond as traditional partners and this is reflected through the Duavata Partnership Agreement. It symbolises the shared aspirations of the two nations to build a sustainable and stronger future for all. Prime Minister Rabuka congratulated and extended his best wishes to New Zealand Prime Minister Honourable Chris Hipkins. Prime Minister Rabuka also took the opportunity to convey Fiji’s appreciation to New Zealand for its continued support of Fiji.Prime Minister Rabuka also offered his heartfelt sympathy to New Zealanders for the loss of innocent lives and the devastation caused by the recent Cyclone Gabrielle. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Sepuloni congratulated Prime Minister Rabuka for the recent elections and also commended his efforts to reunite the Pacific family.The meeting also highlighted the opportunities for increased cooperation in trade and investment, labour mobility, climate mitigation, disaster responsiveness, education and health. He said Fiji stands ready to support New Zealand and a team from Fiji has been deployed to New Zealand to assist in their rebuilding and recovery efforts. The Prime Minister remains confident that the relations will continue to deepen on issues of mutual priorities and interests.
