Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to the Republic of Korea and Japan next week.
“New Zealand enjoys warm and enduring relationships with both Korea and Japan. Our relationships with these crucial partners is important for New Zealand’s ongoing prosperity and security,” says Mr Peters.
While in the Korea, Mr Peters will hold talks with his counterpart Foreign Minister Cho Tae-Yul, and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Security Adviser Chang Ho Jin.
In Japan, Mr Peters will represent New Zealand at the 10th Japan – Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PALM10), hosted by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo. He will also undertake a range of bilateral meetings with Pacific Island leaders and Japanese ministers.
“Over the past seven months we have engaged extensively with Pacific leaders, visiting well over half of Pacific Islands Forum member countries. We are committed to sustaining our deep focus on the Pacific to bolster development and security across the region.
“We welcome Japan’s longstanding engagement and commitment to working through the Pacific Islands Forum, to help support the complex challenges faced by the region – including climate, economic and security concerns,” Mr Peters says.
The Minister will depart New Zealand on Sunday 14 July, returning on Saturday 20 July.