In this image released by New Zealand Prime Minister's Office, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins (second, right), meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (fourth, left) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, May 22, 2023. (PHOTO / NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE VIA AP)
WELLINGTON – New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has concluded a series of international meetings with Pacific region leaders in Papua New Guinea.
Hipkins engaged in constructive bilateral discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PNG Prime Minister James Marape, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
"We also discussed strengthening our trade links, including through a visit by the New Zealand trade minister in the coming months," Hipkins said on Tuesday, adding regional unity is critical to the resilience of the Pacific.