New Zealand and Niue on Thursday agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in different sectors.
A new “Statement of Partnership” was signed by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Niue Premier Dalton Tagelagi, who arrived on his first visit to Wellington, according to a statement issued by Ardern’s office.
“Niue and New Zealand share deep whakapapa connections and our bonds remain strong. My talks with Premier Tagelagi were warm. We were able to exchange views on issues of importance for both our countries,” said Ardern after the meeting.
According to the statement, the two sides shared a commitment to working together through the Pacific Islands Forum.
“At the 51st Pacific Islands Forum Leader Retreat last week, Pacific leaders adopted the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which sets an ambitious vision for the region’s social, cultural, environmental and economic integrity, sovereignty and security,” said New Zealand’s prime minister.
Wellington also committed $1.3 billion to climate finance development support, including both adaptation and mitigation.
“With at least half of that money going to the Pacific, we anticipate projects important to Niue will be funded,” said Ardern
Premier Dalton Tagelagi thanked Ardern and called his visit to New Zealand and the signing of the Statement of Partnership a “historic watershed moment” in the relationship between both countries.
“Our friendship has stood the test of time — it will soon be 50 years since Niue began its status as a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand,” he said.
Niue is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles) northeast of New Zealand.
Known for its limestone cliffs and coral-reef dive sites, Niue’s land area is about 261 square kilometers (101 square miles).
-AA