This week marks a year since the Government took power. In that time, FM Peter will have visited 38 countries - six of those countries he’s visited twice, and one of them three times (Indonesia). On Wednesday morning (NZT), FM Peters will give a speech where he’s expected to state the importance of traditional partners. In his press release announcing the trip to Europe, where he will meet counterparts in Paris, Berlin and London, Peters said: “Since taking office almost a year ago, the Coalition Government has emphasised the importance we place on New Zealand’s traditional and likeminded diplomatic and security partners.” The speech will also narrow in on New Caledonia where New Zealand seeks a stronger and more stable Pacific country and wants to see France remain engaged in the Indo-Pacific Region. At a time when New Zealand is greatly concerned about the change in strategic balance in the region, it’s vital that key players like France, the UK and Germany – with Australia and the US – remain engaged and willing to spend in the Indo-Pacific. But with the escalation of North Korea and China’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict, the link between the different regions is now hitting Europe directly. If anyone can hammer home the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific Region to New Zealand’s traditional partners, it’s Peters.
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