Rt Hon Winston Peters - Minister of Foreign Affairs

15 March 2006

Minister of Foreign Affairs Visits Samoa

The close friendship and cooperation between Samoa and New Zealand has been lauded by Foreign Minister Winston Peters during his first official visit there.

Mr Peters met Samoa’s Prime Minister (and Foreign Minister) Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and Deputy Prime Minister Misa Telefoni Retzlaff during his visit on 13-14 March.

Mr Peters said the 1962 Treaty of Friendship between the two countries created a unique partnership.

“It is the only agreement of its kind for both countries. The cooperation which officials from both countries pursue, as well as the regular contacts between New Zealand and Samoan Ministers, signifies the strength and value of the relationship.”

Mr Peters said over the past year new initiatives had been launched by New Zealand government agencies to deepen ties with Samoa.

"Just last week a group of Sport and Recreation New Zealand officials were in Samoa to help set up a three-year project to boost sport in schools.”

“Police to police cooperation is developing well and Creative New Zealand is working to put in place an artist-in-residence programme at the National University of Samoa.”

Mr Peters said the next round of New Zealand-Samoa Joint Ministerial Consultations would be held in New Zealand later this year.

ENDS

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