Winston Peters at the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in September 2018. Photo: AFP
Fiji will host New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters for his first overseas engagement on Friday.
Peters is scheduled to meet with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Henry Puna.
The Fiji government also confirmed the Māori King Te Arikinui Tūheitia Paki is also visiting the country.
"Fiji will host two high-level guests this week, as it looks to build a new chapter in the advancement of diplomatic relations and cooperation with New Zealand," it said.
Māori King Paki is expected to meet the President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere and Rabuka.
Peters highly anticipated visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and advance Fiji-New Zealand cooperation, according to the Fiji government statement.
Climate change, economic resilience and regional security are some of the main topics Rabuka hopes to cover when he hosts Peters.
"The Coalition Government is deeply committed to the Pacific and to ensuring New Zealand has the connections and relationships to help the region succeed," Peters said.
"I look forward to meeting again with Mr Rabuka and Mr Puna, thereby reaffirming the close ties between New Zealand and Fiji - and with the Pacific region as a whole."
Peters will be in Suva for around 24 hours on 15-16 December and will be accompanied by a media delegation.
His visit will also include engagements with other political leaders in Fiji, as well as a visit to a New Zealand development programme.
