New Zealand FM to discuss Pacific-Caribbean issues in Havana

Issues facing small island developing states will be on the agenda for New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully when he attends the annual meeting of foreign ministers from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) next week.

"The Caribbean and our own Pacific region share a number of similar challenges and opportunities," McCully said in a statement Friday.

The CARICOM meeting in Havana was an opportunity to discuss New Zealand's growing relationship with the region.

"It is also a chance to discuss regional approaches to the issues that impact small island developing states, such as, renewable energy, oceans and fisheries and disaster risk management," said McCully.

Following the meeting, McCully would visit New Zealand's Mission to the United Nations in New York, where he would undertake a range of activities in support of New Zealand's candidacy for the United Nations Security Council in 2015-2016, including making a presentation to Permanent Representatives from the Arab Group of countries.