New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the commitment of the Interim Government and leaders of Fiji's political parties to participate in next month's Commonwealth dialogue process.

Peters said it has been clear for some time that key players need to sit down and talk about Fiji's problems.

Peters added if the dialogue can build greater trust among Fiji's leaders, it may create a better climate for free and fair elections by the 2009 deadline.

Meanwhile, along with Peters, Foreign Ministers of Australia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu will be in Fiji next week to meet the members of the Interim Government, key political stakeholders, the Forum-Fiji Joint Working group, and agencies and officials preparing Fiji for elections.

Peters said assisting Fiji to return to democratic rule is the aim of next week's visit.

Our newsroom has sent questions to the New Zealand High Commission to Fiji seeking confirmation if Winston Peters will meet Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank next week.

The New Zealand High Commission is expected to reveal the meeting details later today.