Thursday, February 29, 2024

NZ lobbied French on Solomons-China pact, cables show | TOME

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New Zealand officials recently revealed their hopes for French Polynesia and New Caledonia to respond positively to a security pact, according to newly released documents. The documents shed light on the efforts made by New Zealand to strengthen security cooperation with its Pacific neighbors.

The security pact in question aims to enhance regional security and stability in the Pacific region. It includes provisions for joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and coordinated responses to security threats. New Zealand officials have been working diligently to garner support for the pact from neighboring countries, including French Polynesia and New Caledonia.

French Polynesia and New Caledonia are both overseas territories of France located in the Pacific region. While they are not independent countries, they play a crucial role in the security dynamics of the Pacific. New Zealand officials have recognized the importance of including these territories in the security pact to ensure comprehensive regional security coverage.

The documents reveal that New Zealand officials have engaged in diplomatic efforts to persuade French Polynesia and New Caledonia to join the security pact. These efforts have included high-level meetings, diplomatic exchanges, and outreach programs aimed at building trust and cooperation between the parties.

The security pact has been met with mixed responses from French Polynesia and New Caledonia. While some officials have expressed interest in joining the pact and enhancing security cooperation with New Zealand, others have raised concerns about sovereignty and autonomy issues. These concerns have posed challenges for New Zealand officials in their efforts to secure full participation from French Polynesia and New Caledonia.

Despite these challenges, New Zealand remains committed to strengthening security cooperation with its Pacific neighbors. The documents show that New Zealand officials are exploring alternative ways to engage French Polynesia and New Caledonia in the security pact, including offering incentives and reassurances to address their concerns.

In addition to diplomatic efforts, New Zealand has also been working on practical measures to enhance security cooperation with French Polynesia and New Caledonia. These measures include joint training exercises, capacity-building programs, and information sharing initiatives aimed at improving the capabilities of security forces in the region.

The documents highlight the importance of regional security cooperation in addressing common security challenges in the Pacific. By working together, countries in the region can better respond to threats such as transnational crime, illegal fishing, and natural disasters. The security pact is seen as a crucial step towards achieving greater security and stability in the Pacific region.

As New Zealand continues its efforts to secure support for the security pact from French Polynesia and New Caledonia, it remains optimistic about the potential for enhanced security cooperation in the region. The documents reveal a strong commitment from New Zealand officials to build trust, strengthen partnerships, and promote peace and stability in the Pacific.

In conclusion, the documents provide valuable insights into New Zealand’s efforts to strengthen security cooperation with French Polynesia and New Caledonia. Despite challenges and concerns, New Zealand remains dedicated to fostering regional security and stability through the security pact. By working together with its Pacific neighbors, New Zealand aims to create a safer and more secure environment for all countries in the region.

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