Peters reaffirms Pacific's central role in New Zealand foreign policy after US talks

Foreign Affairs Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters has signalled that the Pacific remains central to Aotearoa New Zealand’s foreign policy priorities following high-level meetings in Washington, DC, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Speaking to the media, Peters describes the discussions as “substantive and productive”, covering trade, security, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

“There's a lot happening in the Indo-Pacific and indeed our world,” Peters says.

“It's a seriously valuable time to be here in Washington, DC.”

Pacific as a key player

Peters reiterates that New Zealand’s role in the Pacific remains fundamental to its foreign relations.

“At the end of the day, we’re talking about not just China, we’re talking about the Blue Continent, the Pacific, of which we are a key player, and he [Rubio] recognises that,” Peters says.

The meeting allows New Zealand to advocate for a continued and enhanced US presence in the Pacific.

While Rubio acknowledges the importance of Pacific relationships, Peters says detailed commitments are yet to be discussed, with ongoing dialogue planned.

Peters speaking to media following a meeting with Rubio. Photo/Supplied

Trade and economic cooperation

Trade is a significant focus of the discussions, with Peters highlighting New Zealand’s long-standing patience in securing a trade agreement with the US since the 19th century.

While concerns about tariffs remain, he is “much more confident” about the economic partnership between the two nations after the meeting.

“We shared some significant information,” Peters says. “For example, since 1870, we'd been asking about a trade agreement, and I pointed out to him how patient we were on the matter of tariffs.

“Because we had set the standard four decades ago, and other countries were catching up in terms of fairness.

“He [Rubio] understood that, so we came away much more confident than when we originally came here.”

Peters meets with Congressman Darrell Issa (Republican-California). Photo/Supplied

Security and geopolitical shifts

Peters stresses the importance of ensuring Pacific nations are not sidelined in strategic considerations.

While Peters has not disclosed specific security expectations raised by the US, he notes the conversations are “very meaningful”.

“It’s a work in progress. We've got time down in the next few months to make sure that we bed those things in.”

Climate change – a secondary concern?

Notably, climate change was not prominently discussed in the talks.

When questioned on the issue, Peters acknowledged resilience measures, which were briefly mentioned as part of New Zealand’s aid programme.

“The peripheries of that were briefly touched on. We could have been there for hours and hours, but we just didn't have the time.”

Watch a snippet of Winston Peters' stand-up below.

Looking ahead

Peters reflected on his visit to the United States, saying it has been very successful.

“This is just the first step. We will now go back to New Zealand to discuss with Cabinet colleagues what we have learned here in Washington, DC.

“With Rubio, we have agreed to remain in close contact in the months ahead.

“We will no doubt see each other again later this year, whether at a regional meeting or back here in DC.”