External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S Jaishankar engaged in a warm and productive meeting with New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, emphasizing the shared commitment to bolstering bilateral relations between the two nations.
The meeting, characterized by cordiality and cooperation, saw both ministers agreeing on the importance of enhancing political, trade, economic, security, connectivity, mobility, education, and people-to-people ties. They welcomed New Zealand’s recent accession to the International Solar Alliance and explored avenues for cooperation within the Commonwealth and discussions surrounding United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform. Additionally, the ministers shared perspectives on the Indo-Pacific region and global issues of mutual concern.
Highlighting the cultural affinity between India and New Zealand, the ministers also discussed their shared passion for cricket. Minister Peters presented Minister Jaishankar with a copy of “The Skipper’s Diary,” a book by Walter Hadlee chronicling the 1949 New Zealand cricket team’s tour of England. The gift was accompanied by a heartfelt message from Sir Richard Hadlee, underscoring the significance of India-New Zealand relations.
Moreover, during his visit to New Delhi, Minister Peters also expressed delight in touring the city’s new Parliamentary buildings, which boast carpets made from 20,000kg of New Zealand wool. He said, “New Zealand & India share proud democratic traditions, in which the people set the future direction of their countries.”
