Vanuatu PM arrives in New Zealand

Charlot Salwai arrived in Wellington this morning, kickstarting his official New Zealand visit with a welcome on Parliament's forecourt.

The Vanuatu Prime Minister was greeted by his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka, and Speaker of The House, Gerry Brownlee.

Charlot Salwai is welcomed outside Parliament on Monday.

This is Salwai's third state visit to Aotearoa since becoming PM last year when his predecessor, Sato Kilman, was voted out through a motion of no confidence in parliament.

Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand and Vanuatu's long-standing friendship underpinned by the New Zealand-Vanuatu Mauri Statement of Partnership.

“New Zealand greatly values Vanuatu’s leadership, including internationally on issues such as climate change," he said.

Bilateral talks between Charlot Salwai and Christopher Luxon were held this morning in Wellington.

"This was also an important chance to discuss issues like New Caledonia as we both prepare for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting later this month.

"We discussed how the Pacific can work together to advance the interests of the region as a whole."

Vanuatu is a key partner of New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme providing the largest number of workers each year.

Salwai, accompanied by his Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Rick Tchamako Mahe, will meet with Foreign Affairs Minister, Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters, who visited Port Vila in May.

Foreign Affairs Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters with Charlot Salwai in Port Vila in May.

Salwai will also meet with ni-Vanuatu RSE workers.

He will be in Auckland on Wednesday.