WELLINGTON, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea reaffirmed strong partnership on Tuesday ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in September.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape met in Wellington, reaffirming their nations' long-standing ties and signing a renewed statement of partnership.
The leaders discussed strengthening trade, security, and regional cooperation, with a focus on climate change and Pacific Islands Forum unity, according to a New Zealand government statement.
Luxon emphasized New Zealand's deep commitment to its Pacific partnerships, while Marape highlighted the partnership's strategic importance, particularly in agriculture and fisheries.
Luxon announced a 1 million NZ dollars (570,000 U.S. dollars) investment to support Papua New Guinea's public sector, funding initiatives such as disaster preparedness collaboration and expertise exchange in state-owned enterprise management. ■