Vanuatu High Commissioner To NZ Presents Credentials

Vanuatu’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Johnson Naviti, presented his Letters of Credence to Dame Patsy Reddy, Governor General of New Zealand at a ceremony held at the Government House, in Wellington on February 1, 2018.

Before presenting his credentials, the High Commissioner received the powhriri (Moari Welcome) followed by the inspection of a New Zealand Defense Force guard of honor.

During the ceremony, High Commissioner Naviti conveyed the cordial greetings from President Pastor Tallis Obed to Dame Patsy Reddy and expressed his satisfaction in the progress made in growing and strengthening the relations since diplomatic relations was established on 30th July 2018. Thanking the Government and People of New Zealand for the support to the socio-economic development of the country, the High Commissioner further expressed his hope for an enhanced level of support and cooperation in the areas agreed for under the development cooperation program. The High Commissioner also underscored the importance of the Recognized Seasonal Program which forms an important component of the bilateral program.

While receiving the letters, Dame Reddy conveyed her best wishes and appreciation for the warm greetings extended and recalled on her recent visit to Vanuatu in June, 2017 in attending the State funeral for the late President, Baldwin Lonsdale and extended sincere condolence to the people of Vanuatu.

Reddy shared on her experience where she saw strong people to people links underpinned by the close relations shared by the two countries.

Underscoring on the friendly relations between the two countries, Reddy reiterated New Zealand’s strong commitment in supporting Vanuatu in terms of timely response and support to Vanuatu when disasters strike with reflection on the tropical cyclone and volcanic eruptions which occurred recently. Reddy also noted the strong economic and trade links and the RSE program which is important to the bilateral relations. She further expressed the commitment of the Government of New Zealand to work in collaboration with the Vanuatu Government in exploring opportunities to broaden and deepen the existing relations and again warmly welcomed the High Commissioner to New Zealand.

She extended an invitation to the High Commissioner and his delegation to a reception at the Government house later that evening. This is a milestone in the relations of the two countries with the establishment of a fully-fledged diplomatic mission now in Wellington.

Vanuatu Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ralph Regenvanu and  Sanianna Trief, the Desk Officer for Foreign Affairs were also present at the ceremony.

(Source: Vanuatu Daily Post 03 February 2018)

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