New Zealand, Fiji renew partnership for next 5 years

WELLINGTON, July 16 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand and Fiji renewed their bilateral cooperation on Thursday with the signing of a refreshed Duavata Partnership which sets priorities for the next five years.

The signing "demonstrates New Zealand's continued commitment to our strong friendship with Fiji and its people," New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a statement, adding the agreement would deepen cooperation across areas of mutual benefit.

"Duavata" is a Fijian word meaning "working together."

Peters described New Zealand and Fiji as "natural partners" with decades-long ties in culture, sport, business, tourism, education and people-to-people links. He also discussed with Fiji's Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister, Sakiasi Ditoka, on a shared goal of increasing two-way trade to 2 billion NZ dollars (1.17 billion U.S. dollars) by 2030.

Peters is hosting Pacific counterparts from Fiji, Samoa and Niue in Auckland, citing the need to "connect with fellow Pacific leaders," the statement said. Enditem