3 Apr 2008

New Zealand's Foreign Minister to meet Samoa's prime minister

8:05 am on 3 April 2008

The New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters is to meet with Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi in Apia later this week for the latest round of annual Joint Ministerial Consultations.

New Zealand's Associate Immigration Minister Shane Jones will also attend the talks.

Mr Peters says the annual consultations began three years ago with the aim of building on the 1962 Treaty of Friendship, which created a unique partnership between New Zealand and Samoa.

He says the annual talks ensure that the strength and value of the relationship is reflected in regular contact at Ministerial level.