New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, embarked on an official visit to Bharat from March 10 to 13, 2024, at the invitation of Bharat’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar. This visit marks a significant step in fostering closer ties between the two nations.
Peters’ visit kicked off with a warm reception in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, where he met with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. During the meeting, Peters presented the Chief Minister with a special gift—a cricket bat signed by New Zealand cricket sensation Kane Williamson, who represents the Gujarat Titans in the IPL. The gesture underscored the shared love for cricket between the two countries.
The visit aimed to bolster various aspects of cooperation, ranging from political and trade relations to education and people-to-people ties. Earlier discussions between Peters and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar centered on enhancing connectivity, economic cooperation, and mobility between India and New Zealand.
In a testament to the growing partnership between the two nations, Peters called on Bharat’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at the Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas in New Delhi. The discussions highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between India and New Zealand, founded on mutual values of democracy and the rule of law.
Both leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, focusing on avenues for collaboration in the Commonwealth and advocating for reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The meeting was described as “productive” by EAM Jaishankar, emphasizing the shared vision for closer political, economic, and security cooperation.
This visit holds particular significance as it marks Peters’ first official trip to Bharat since the new government assumed office in November 2023. His previous visit to Bharat in February 2020 laid the groundwork for further engagement between the two countries.
During his time in Bharat, Peters also visited GIFT City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, lauding the innovative initiatives driving Bharat’s financial technology sector. The visit showcased the potential for collaboration in technological innovation and financial services between Bharat and New Zealand.
As Peters concludes his visit, both nations look forward to deepening their partnership across various sectors, reaffirming their commitment to advancing mutual interests and fostering greater cooperation on the global stage.
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