As talks on restoring full diplomatic relations continue behind the scenes between Fiji and New Zealand, it has been confirmed that a new Trade Commissioner from New Zealand is expected to take up office in Suva by next month.

NZ Acting High Commissioner to Fiji Philip Taula confirmed to Fijivillage News that Peter Lund was in the country last week and is expected to take up the substantive post of Trade Commissioner to Fiji by next month.

Taula also confirmed that this is part of the developments following the meeting between NZ Foreign Minister Murray McCully and Fiji's Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola earlier this year.

At the meeting between Ratu Inoke and McCully, New Zealand had put forward the name of a senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs official for the position of New Zealand trade commissioner in Suva.

The two Foreign Ministers in February this year also announced that the two governments had also agreed to an additional counselor position being established for Fiji in Wellington, and for New Zealand in Suva, with approval in principle for Deputy Head of Mission appointments in each capital to follow soon.

Fiji's Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola could not be reached for a comment on who will be appointed as Fiji's Trade Commissioner to New Zealand.