New Zealand’s deputy prime minister visits Hawaii, amid heightened tensions in Asia-Pacific
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - New Zealand’s deputy prime minister, who also serves as the foreign minister, is visiting Hawaii this weekend, leading a high-level, cross-party delegation for key meetings across the Pacific.
Winston Peters and members of New Zealand’s Parliament were welcomed at the East-West Center on Saturday, where they met with board members and staff.
Peters said the visit comes amid trying times, but called for a pragmatic approach, noting the historic, steadfast connections among Pacific nations.
Peters met with Gov. Josh Green and state Transportation Director Ed Sniffen on Saturday evening prior to a welcome reception at the official New Zealand residence in Kahala.
Indo-Pacific Commander Adm. Sam Paparo and other military leaders also attended.
“For we are a Pacific nation, as is, of course, the country of the United States and no more certain than that than the islands of Hawaii,” Peters said in formal remarks to guests. “It’s our time to be here to talk to you about our schedules going forward and your pivotal connection yourselves, in the geostrategic circumstances and economic circumstances we find ourselves in.”
“I want to say that we will be prepared no matter what comes, and we will work carefully with Washington DC and leaders across the Pacific because we believe in that kind of partnership,” Green said in his speech.
The delegation was scheduled to visit the Bishop Museum, Pearl Harbor and Punchbowl on Sunday.
On Monday, they will meet with military leaders at Indo-Pacific Command.
They then travel to Fiji and Vanuatu, before returning to New Zealand.
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