Winston Peters Concludes High-Level Diplomatic Week at UN and in French Polynesia

The discussions covered shared interests in sustainable development, climate resilience, and deepening economic and cultural ties within the Pacific region.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters wrapped up a week of high-level diplomatic engagements, spanning the United Nations headquarters in New York and Papeete, French Polynesia, where he focused on New Zealand’s role in global and regional diplomacy.

Reaffirming New Zealand’s Support for the UN

During his visit to New York, Peters emphasized New Zealand’s steadfast support for a rules-based international order, as envisioned by former Prime Minister Peter Fraser at the founding of the United Nations. “Our visit to New York was about demonstrating New Zealand’s unwavering support for an international system based on rules and respect for the UN Charter,” Peters said.

Peters also underscored the importance of the UN Security Council, stating, “The UN Security Council remains at the centre of the international peace and security system. Our bid for a seat on the Security Council for the 2039-40 term is both important and necessary. As a small state and country of the Pacific, we look forward to again bringing a constructive voice to the top table.” New Zealand last held a non-permanent seat on the council in 2015-2016.

Engagements with Global Leaders

While in New York, Peters met with various global leaders, including counterparts from Iceland, Italy, Jordan, Egypt, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, Sweden, Kiribati, the Maldives, the Palestinian Authority, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. These discussions ranged from climate change impacts, security cooperation, and regional partnerships to broader international cooperation in multilateral organizations.

Strengthening Ties with French Polynesia

Following his UN visit, Peters traveled to Papeete, French Polynesia, where he met with key regional leaders. He engaged in discussions with President Moetai Brotherson, French High Commissioner Dominique Sorain, and former Presidents Édouard Fritch and Oscar Temaru, among others. Peters described the talks as productive, noting that they "reinforced the warm and enduring relationships between New Zealand, French Polynesia, and France."

The discussions covered shared interests in sustainable development, climate resilience, and deepening economic and cultural ties within the Pacific region.

Pacific Islands Forum Visits Near Completion

Peters also highlighted his ongoing efforts to visit all 17 members of the Pacific Islands Forum. French Polynesia was the 15th country he visited, with only New Caledonia and Kiribati left on his schedule for early 2024. Peters aims to further solidify New Zealand’s leadership in Pacific regional affairs through these engagements.

Return to New Zealand

Following the conclusion of his diplomatic trip, Peters is scheduled to return to New Zealand later today, where his engagements will continue as part of New Zealand’s broader foreign policy objectives.