Top New Zealand, German Diplomats Discuss Efforts For Cease-Fire In Gaza

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock on Saturday discussed the conflict in the Middle East and efforts for a cease-fire in Gaza.

Paying her first visit to New Zealand, Baerbock met with Peters and discussed the need for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

"This was a great opportunity to share views on the inter-connected security threats in our regions, including Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, as well as on our steadfast efforts to secure an immediate cease-fire in Gaza," said Peters.

The top diplomats also discussed enhancing cooperation in the Pacific and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between New Zealand's Antarctic agency and Germany's Alfred Wegener Institute.

"We also discussed how best to strengthen cooperation in the Pacific and in Antarctica, where we can and should be doing much more together," said Peters, adding that he welcomes the opening of a German representation in Suva.

"Germany is our largest export market in Europe. It is also New Zealand's most important science and innovation partner and largest education market in Europe, and the source of significant numbers of tourists and young people on working holidays," he added.

During her stay in Auckland, Baerbock is also meeting Defense Minister Judith Collins and Climate Change Minster Simon Watts towards deeper discussions on space, science, and climate change cooperation, according to the statement.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid -