Auckland: President Draupadi Murmu has reached New Zealand today in the second phase of her three-nation visit. The purpose of her visit is to promote bilateral relations between India and New Zealand. During her visit, Murmu will meet Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and other senior ministers. The Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on ‘X’ that Murmu was warmly welcomed by Minister of Agriculture, Trade, Forestry, Hunting and Fisheries and Assistant Foreign Minister Todd McClay on her arrival in New Zealand. The post said, “President Draupadi Murmu was given a warm welcome on her arrival in New Zealand.
In Auckland, Minister Todd McClay and (India’s) High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan welcomed her warmly.” McClay said in a post on ‘X’ that it is an honor to welcome President Murmu in New Zealand. He said, “This visit is one of the various initiatives of the government to deepen our relations and strengthen people-to-people contact and cultural ties.” President Murmu has arrived in New Zealand after concluding her state visit to Fiji. She held extensive discussions with her counterpart to further the relations between Fiji and India and strengthen the partnership. President Murmu has come to New Zealand at the invitation of the Governor General. This is the President’s visit to New Zealand after eight years.
There are 3 lakh Indians in New Zealand
Apart from bilateral meetings with Governor General Kiro, President Murmu will also meet Prime Minister Luxon, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. Murmu will also attend a community reception in Auckland, where she will interact with the Indian diaspora. New Zealand has a population of 50 lakh. The number of Indian diaspora here is around 3,00,000. The overseas Indian community is very well integrated in the society of New Zealand and acts as a live bridge between the two countries. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, New Zealand has placed India as a special focus country for its bilateral relations.
New Zealand is among India’s major defense partners
New Zealand recognizes India as a major partner in terms of defense and security and overall bilateral trade, investment, people-to-people contact. Therefore, this visit in itself will be highly significant. The Ministry of External Affairs said that education plays a big role in bilateral relations between the two countries. About 8,000 Indian students are studying in New Zealand. The Ministry said that the President will address an international education conference in Wellington, where India is the chief guest country. After the New Zealand visit is over, President Murmu will visit Timor-Leste.
