Winston Peters and Manuel Valls. Photo credit: X / @NewZealandMFA
Aotearoa New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has wrapped up “a constructive and positive visit” to New Caledonia.
Minister Peters met the French Minister for Overseas Territories Manuel Valls and the New Caledonia Government’s President Alcide Ponga.
The goal was to listen and learn, and to demonstrate New Zealand’s support for the continuation of dialogue on New Caledonia’s institutional future, led by Valls, Minister Peters says.
New Caledonia, a French territory, faced months of rioting over an amendment to its constitution.
“These institutional discussions in Nouméa over the coming days send a positive signal to the Pacific region about the good faith efforts underway to return peace and stability to New Caledonia,” Minister Peters says.
“Since last year’s crisis, New Zealand has consistently said that no matter your position on New Caledonia’s institutional future, violence is not the answer – and progress can only be made through careful, inclusive dialogue.
“We wish everyone involved in the discussions in Nouméa in the coming week well.
“New Zealand, just like France and all our Pacific partners, wishes for a stable, secure, prosperous and cohesive New Caledonia.”
Minister Peters also recommitted New Zealand to helping New Caledonia’s development through ongoing constructive, practical support.
“New Zealand is not perfect, but we do have experience over recent decades in promoting economic development across our regions and communities,” he says.
Economic development is the key to social cohesion, and New Zealand hopes there are pragmatic lessons it can share with New Caledonia, working closely with French authorities, including through Caledonian entrepreneurs gaining a deeper understanding of the Māori economy, he adds.
The Ministers also discussed regional security and foreign interference in the Pacific.
Minister Peters says Wellington and Paris have a shared interest in ensuring the Pacific region is protected from efforts by external influences to undermine good governance and democratic decision making.
His office says he also met New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel taking part in the military exercise Croix du Sud currently under way in New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna, which is focused on humanitarian assistance and emergency response.
