New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, is set to undertake an official visit to Bharat from March 10 to 13 at the invitation of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs.
This visit marks Peters’ first official trip to Bharat since the new government assumed office in November 2023. However, Peters had previously visited Bharat in February 2020 in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, highlighting the importance of bilateral relations between the two nations.
During his visit, Peters is expected to engage with political leaders in Ahmedabad on March 11, where he will meet with the leadership of Gujarat. This presents an opportunity to strengthen ties at the subnational level, fostering closer cooperation between regions.
In New Delhi, on March 12, Peters is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with EAM Jaishankar, where they will discuss various aspects of the bilateral relationship between Bharat and New Zealand. The agenda is anticipated to cover a wide range of issues, reflecting the depth and breadth of the partnership.
Additionally, Peters is slated to hold meetings with other dignitaries during his visit, further enhancing diplomatic exchanges and deepening mutual understanding between the two countries.
The relationship between Bharat and New Zealand is characterized by warmth and friendship, underpinned by shared democratic traditions and values. Strong people-to-people ties further reinforce the bond between the two nations.
Over the years, Bharat and New Zealand have collaborated across various sectors, including trade and economy, defense and security, education and research, as well as environment and climate change. This multifaceted cooperation underscores the commitment of both countries to advancing mutual interests and addressing common challenges.
Bilateral relations between Bharat and New Zealand were established in 1952, marking the beginning of a longstanding partnership. New Zealand has consistently identified Bharat as a priority country, as demonstrated by its “Opening Doors to India” policy initiated in October 2011 and reiterated in 2015. This reaffirms New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bharat and exploring new avenues for cooperation.
As Deputy Prime Minister Peters embarks on his official visit to Bharat, both countries look forward to deepening their partnership and exploring opportunities for collaboration across various domains, further cementing the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Bharat and New Zealand.
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