The New Zealand government will lift its development cooperation with Fiji quite substantially as we get close to the general elections in September this year.

In an interview with Fijivillage, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Murray McCully said NZ has already confirmed to the Fijian government that $1.5 million will be provided towards the setting up of parliament. 


McCully said a number of programmes are already being considered.
  

The NZ Foreign Minister said he also met with Agriculture Minister, Inia Seruiratu who wants to lift agricultural production and increase exports to NZ. 

He said this will also be considered.

McCully said he has also noticed more progress since he was last here in January with the Forum Ministerial Contact Group.


McCully also met with Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, NZ electoral experts at the Elections Office and Foreign Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.

He returns to NZ later today.


Story by: Vijay Narayan