New Zealand Foreign Minister, Murray McCully has announced a new partnership between the European Union, New Zealand and the Government of Vanuatu aimed supporting sustainable agricultural development.
Mr. McCully was speaking at a press conference at the end of a joint meeting of the Vanuatu Council of Ministers, the European Union and the New Zealand government at the National Convention Centre in Port Vila this morning.
Agriculture development had been singled out as an important sector for Vanuatu and it was one of the focus of discussions at this morning’s meeting.
"New Zealand and the EU have a strong track record of working together with Pacific governments to deliver development gains," Mr McCully said.
"The partnership we have entered into today will see the EU and New Zealand providing support to Vanuatu's agricultural sector and it is a model for further cooperation between the EU and New Zealand in the region.
"Our joint agriculture support to Vanuatu aims to boost productivity and returns to producers and agri-businesses. Our initial focus will be on the beef industry where New Zealand has world leading experience to share with local farmers.
"Until now, cooperation between the EU and New Zealand in the Pacific has focused on renewable energy and while this will continue. The agreement entered into today provides a framework for extending our development work into other sectors," Mr McCully said.
Minister McCully and European Development Commissioner Neven Mimica are currently in Vanuatu as part of the joint NZ EU Pacific Mission.