New Zealand’s Deputy PM arrives in Port Moresby

New Zealand Defense Force aircraft Boeing 757 carrying the NZ Deputy PM and his delegation on arrival tonight at the Jackson International Airport (NBC News: Rayden Lavari)

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Winston Peters, arrived in Port Moresby around 7pm tonight on a New Zealand defense force aircraft Boeing 757.

He was welcomed by his PNG counterpart Justin Tkatchenko and Government Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu at the APEC terminal. Mr Peters was accompanied by a delegation comprising New Zealand's Climate Change Minister, Simon Watts, Minister for Health and Minister for Pacific Peoples, Dr Shae Reti, along with 15 other government officials and New Zealand media.

This visit comes two weeks after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's historic walk on the Kokoda track to commemorate ANZAC Day. Although an official program was released by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Port Moresby, it does not indicate the purpose or significance of the visit.

NZ Deputy PM Winston Peters (lei around neck) on arrival at the APEC Terminal with NZ government officials (NBC News: Rayden Lavari)

On Monday, both Ministers of Foreign Affairs will hold bilateral talks. Eight PNG Government ministers are invited to attend the bilateral meeting, along with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Elias Wohengu, and PNG High Commissioner to New Zealand, Sakias Tameo.

On Tuesday, Mr Peters will have a breakfast meeting with Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa, and then he will meet with Prime Minister Marape.

The New Zealand delegation will then proceed to the Port Moresby General Hospital for a proposed site visit to the Fred Hollows Centre for Eye Health, and then to the Kumul Leadership Center at Murray Barracks. Mr Peters will also meet with the President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

The New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to depart for his home country on Tuesday.