With thanks to Korea’s 1st Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Park Yun-Joo for hosting excellent consultations this week. The 🇳🇿🇰🇷relationship, supported by our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, is going from strength to strength @mofa_kr

NZ has long been a supporter of peace and security on the Korean peninsula. It was great to see Kiwi soldiers at work with their UN Command colleagues during my visit to the DMZ today @UN_Command 🇳🇿🇰🇷

I was delighted to visit Tokyo this week for consultations with Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Funakoshi. NZ’s relationship with Japan is of ever-growing significance for both of us, centred on the importance we attach to a free and open Indo-Pacific 🇳🇿🇯🇵@MofaJapan_en

DM Koizumi held the first trilateral meeting with AUS DPM ＠RichardMarlesMP and NZ DM ＠ChrisPenknz at #SLD26. The Ministers welcomed the fact that Mogami-class frigate JS Kumano, which made port visits to AUS and NZ, conducted joint exercises that enhanced cooperation.

Spoke with UK Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer over the phone last night. We discussed the situation in the Middle East. With high fuel prices causing pain in Kiwis’ back pockets, we agreed on the importance of diplomacy to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and get shipping flowing freely again. Both the United Kingdom and New Zealand are steadfast in our support for Ukraine, so it was good to compare notes on how to maintain the pressure on Russia. The United Kingdom is an important partner to New Zealand: we’re doing a lot together to advance our prosperity and build global security.

The Minister spoke with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi tonight - who provided an update on his perspective on talks between Iran and the United States. The Minister: - made it clear that New Zealand wanted an urgent end to the conflict; - noted that we welcomed reports of both sides engaging in serious, detailed talks on an end to the conflict; - indicated that a negotiated solution, and full compliance with international law, was the only way to longlasting peace - which must include unimpeded freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Today the Minister had an introductory meeting with the new Thai Ambassador HE Mongkol Visitstump. They discussed regional issues, the Pacific and reflected on the Minister’s visit to Thailand in November last year. This evening Minister also attended a reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Thailand. 🇳🇿 🤝🇹🇭

New Zealand condemns Iran’s latest attacks on the United Arab Emirates.   Iran’s actions violate the ceasefire and are unhelpful for peace negotiations.   We reiterate the urgent need for de-escalation. Iran must honour its commitment to the ceasefire and respect international law, including the protections afforded to civilians and civilian infrastructure.   We urge Iran to prioritise political agreement on a permanent solution to end this crisis. The conflict will not be resolved through drones and missiles. -WP

I was pleased to travel to Beijing this week for consultations with my Chinese counterpart, Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu 🇳🇿🇨🇳

New Zealand welcomes the ceasefire agreed between Israel and Lebanon.   It is critical for all parties to adhere to the ceasefire, and commit to meaningful negotiations to secure a lasting peace. This truce must not be derailed by those that seek to continue the cycle of violence.   New Zealand also supports the disarmament of Hezbollah, as called for by the UN Security Council, and the preservation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. -WP

The Pacific is New Zealand and Palau’s neighbourhood, and we both want to ensure it is prosperous and secure. Welcome to Auckland, President Whipps.

Yesterday, New Zealand joined a Joint Statement on the conflict in the Middle East ⬇️ bundesregierung.de/breg-de/a…

The Governments of New Zealand and the Cook Islands have signed a Declaration on Defence and Security in Rarotonga this morning. Declaration: mfat.govt.nz/assets/Countrie… 🇨🇰 🤝 🇳🇿

A joint statement by the Governments of the Cook Islands and New Zealand:    The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Hon. Mark Brown, and the Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon. Winston Peters, held an informal discussion at Mr Peters’ private residence in Auckland today.    Prime Minister Brown was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Karopaerangi Ngatoko, and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Elizabeth Wright-Koteka. Foreign Minister Peters was accompanied by his Specialist Ministerial Advisor, Jon Johansson, and his Senior Foreign Affairs Advisor, Michael Appleton.   The two delegations discussed the fundamental challenges facing the New Zealand-Cook Islands relationship over the past 18 months and possible ways forward.    Political dialogue between the two countries will continue in the coming weeks in order to determine whether these challenges can be resolved in the present circumstances.   In the meantime, the Governments of the Cook Islands and New Zealand will not be providing further comment. 🇨🇰 🤝 🇳🇿

On the 75th anniversary of our Alliance the Minister & Defence Minister Collins were pleased to attend the Australia-New Zealand Ministerial Consultations with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Deputy PM and Defence Minister Richard Marles. In challenging times our alliance and strategic resolve are strong. Joint Statement here ⬇️ beehive.govt.nz/release/join… @JudithCollinsKC @SenatorWong @RichardMarlesMP

The Minister met with Australia’s Penny Wong today ahead of the third Australia - New Zealand Ministerial Consultations to discuss the strong trans-Tasman relationship, cooperating even closer in the Pacific and working together on global issues, including in the Middle East. 🇳🇿🤝🇦🇺 @SenatorWong

The Minister and Defence Minister Judith Collins will attend the third annual Australia and New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ANZMIN) in Canberra this week.   “The ANZMIN is a critical opportunity to engage with Australia – our closest friend and only formal ally – to set the strategic direction and confirm our shared approaches to foreign policy, security, and defence.” @SenatorWong @RichardMarlesMP @JudithCollinsKC Press release ⬇️ beehive.govt.nz/release/fore… ANZMIN - December 2024

New Zealand condemns yesterday’s ballistic missile launches by North Korea. The launch of ballistic missiles is a clear breach of UN Security Council Resolutions. We call on North Korea to cease all missile tests and engage in meaningful dialogue toward regional peace and stability.

The Minister visited @MFATNZ’s Emergency Coordination Centre in Wellington this morning to thank those working on New Zealand’s response to the crisis in the Middle East - both here and in the region. “The events in the Middle East are fast-moving, dangerous, and complex,” the Minister said. “We are particularly grateful for the sacrifices that MFAT staff and other government officials are making to serve NZ during these challenging times.”