Luxon to attend first Pacific leaders forum

Christopher Luxon is headed to his first Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Tonga next week, and the Prime Minister is excited.

The 53rd Forum Week brings together leaders from 18 Pacific countries, including New Zealand, and high-level diplomats such as United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.

This year’s theme is ‘Transformative, Resilient, Pasifiki: Build Better Now’ with Tonga’s Prime Minister, Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni chairing the forum.

Luxon told Pacific Mornings that this year’s forum’s big issue is New Caledonia.

“I've met with most of the Pacific Island leaders now and my colleagues, and, you know, I'm really excited about what we can do together and the way that we partner together.

“And I've visited many of the countries already, I've hosted many of the leaders here in New Zealand.”

Luxon made his first trip to the Pacific in June visiting Niue and Fiji while his Deputy PM and Foreign Affairs Minister, Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters, wrapped up his 5th Pacific Mission last week. He has visited 14 of the 17 other Forum member states this year.

Peters said the high-level participation from New Zealand next week reflected the importance the government places upon deepening its relationships in the region.

“Our collective unity is critical to the region’s efforts to tackle the challenges that confront us, such as climate change mitigation, development needs and regional security.

“We look forward to discussing these issues with our neighbours, as well as the constructive role the Forum can play supporting ongoing peaceful efforts towards a mutually agreeable way forward in New Caledonia.”

Peters and Pacific Minister, Dr Shane Reti will attend the first half of the Leaders’ Week, departing New Zealand on Saturday and returning next Tuesday.

The Prime Minister will attend the second half of the summit, departing New Zealand on 27 August and returning on 30 August.

Watch Deputy PM Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters interview here