New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters voiced his country’s strong backing for Pacific regionalism during the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Suva yesterday.
“New Zealand is a steadfast and long-standing advocate for Pacific regionalism, as a founding member of the Pacific Islands Forum and host of the inaugural Forum Leaders Meeting in Wellington in 1971,” Mr Peters said.
Speaking to regional leaders, he warned against the risks of external pressure.
“In these uncertain geo-strategic and challenging economic times, it is more important than ever that the region stands together and sets our own agenda – rather than being pressured or even dictated to by external influences,” he said.
Mr Peters also stressed the need to remain open to cooperation.
“The scale of the challenges we face as a region make it imperative that we are welcoming and encouraging of the interest of dialogue and development partners who wish to work with the Pacific for mutual benefit.”
He also announced New Zealand’s interest in hosting the 2027 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.
“New Zealand last hosted the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in 2011, so we feel it is important to put our hand up again. While the 2027 host will ultimately be a decision for Forum Leaders to make in the Solomon Islands next month, we wanted to make clear that New Zealand is ready to serve as host again.”