Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Minister departs for Pacific defence talks

MinisterĀ of Defence, Peeni Henare, will today depart for bilateral visits in Fiji and Australia.

The Minister will meet with counterparts to reaffirm New Zealand’s commitment to regional security in the Pacific and discuss ways to strengthen defence cooperation with partners.

While in Fiji, Minister Henare will meet with Minister of Defence Inia Seruiratu, in the first face-to-face meeting of this type to take place in Fiji since COVID-19 restrictions began.

ā€œNew Zealandā€™s defence relationship with Fiji is strong, and characterised by enduring person-to-person relationships built up over many years. I look forward toĀ discussingĀ with Minister Seruiratu ways to increase our level of defence cooperation, and how best to support Pacific partners to work together to provide solutions to the regionā€™s challenges,ā€ MrĀ Henare said.

During the visit, Minister Henare will also attend a remembrance ceremony at the National War Memorial, and tour the recently commissioned BlackrockĀ PeacekeepingĀ and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Camp, and Fijiā€™s Maritime Surveillance Rescue Coordination Centre.

From Fiji, the Minister will travel to AustraliaĀ and meet with Australian Minister of Defence, PeterĀ Dutton.

ā€œAustralia isĀ New Zealandā€™s only formal defence ally and one of our closest security and bilateral partners, soĀ it was important to meĀ that my first overseas travel included our trans-Tasman neighbour. I look forward to discussing with Minister Dutton how our two countries can further strengthen our defence bilateral relationship and cooperation, especially within the Pacific,” he said.

While in Australia, the Minister will give an address to the Australian War College, participate in a roundtableĀ discussionĀ with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, and lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial. He will also engage with the Australian defence industry to explore opportunities for New Zealand suppliers and gain insights into capabilities relevant to the New Zealand Defence Force.

ā€œAs this will be my first opportunity to travel, I look forward to meeting New Zealandā€™s key bilateral defence partners and exchanging ideas on regional security. This visit aligns with my Defence priorities of ā€œPacificā€, by exploring how can we achieve greater defence coordination between Pacific partners, and ā€œPeopleā€, through continuing cooperation with defence partners, including identifying ways to regenerate New Zealandā€™s Defence Force readiness and capability in a post COVID-19 world.”

Latest Articles