AnyTV News What is the significance of President Murmu's visit to New Zealand?

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President Draupadi Murmu on New Zealand visit.

Auckland: President Draupadi Murmu reached New Zealand today on the second leg of her three-nation visit. The aim 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. “President Draupadi Murmu received a warm welcome on her arrival in New Zealand,” the post said.

In Auckland, she was warmly welcomed by Minister Todd McClay and (India’s) High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan. McClay said in a post on ‘X’ that it is an honour to welcome President Murmu to New Zealand. He said, “This visit is one of the various initiatives of the government to deepen our relations and strengthen people-to-people contacts and cultural ties.” President Murmu has arrived in New Zealand after concluding her state visit to Fiji. She held extensive talks with her counterpart to take forward 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 5 million and the Indian diaspora here is around 3,00,000. The Indian diaspora is very well integrated in New Zealand society and serves as a vibrant bridge between the two countries. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand has placed India as a special focus country for its bilateral relations.

New Zealand is one of India’s major defense partners

New Zealand recognises India as a major partner in terms of defence and security and overall bilateral trade, investment, people-to-people contact. Therefore, this visit itself will be of utmost importance. 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 concluding the New Zealand visit, President Murmu will visit Timor-Leste. (Language)