1 Jun 2014

Fiji's return to forum possible - Key

8:00 am on 1 June 2014

Prime Minister John Key is reiterating New Zealand's potential support for Fiji to return to the Pacific Islands Forum.

Mr Key's comments come as he leaves for a tour of several Pacific nations; he will visit Samoa, Tonga and Niue along with a delegation including opposition MPs and newly appointed Ambassador for Pacific Economic Development, Shane Jones.

He is visiting the islands now, instead of attending this year's Pacific Islands Forum as it is too close to September's general election.

He said the return of Fiji to the forum was likely to be a topic of conversation on his tour.

"Providing Frank Bainimarama holds democratic and fair elections ... then the view of New Zealand is it would support a return of Fiji back into the forum."

Other matters set to be discussed are recent severe weather events in Tonga and regional fisheries issues.