New Zealand and Palau have agreed to cooperate closely on Pacific regional issues, according to Foreign Minister Winston Peters. Peters emphasized the importance of forging a stronger partnership between the two countries as they are set to host the next two Pacific Islands Forum events. He recently held high-level talks in Koror, Palau, where he met with President Surangel Whipps Jr, Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, and other members of President Whipps’ Cabinet.
During the discussions, Peters expressed New Zealand’s readiness to assist Palau in hosting this year’s Forum in practical ways. The focus was on maximizing the benefits of the upcoming Forums for the Pacific region and garnering support from development partners aligned with Pacific priorities. The global strategic environment presents challenges for the region, making it imperative for Pacific countries to collaborate and demonstrate unity to advance their shared interests.
The talks also touched on areas of bilateral cooperation between Palau and New Zealand, particularly in protecting the ocean, which is a significant part of New Zealand’s development assistance to Palau. The health of the ocean is vital to Pacific livelihoods, and by working together, the two countries can ensure its preservation for future generations.
Moreover, Palau hosts the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC), and Peters announced an extension of New Zealand’s support for the Office. He will further travel to Nadi to meet with his Fijian counterpart and other officials to continue discussions on regional issues. The ongoing collaboration between New Zealand and Palau emphasizes the importance of Pacific regionalism in addressing shared challenges and ensuring the region’s voice is heard on the global stage.
