Overview
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman visited New Zealand as part of a regional tour that included Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Australia, and New Zealand from August 3-9. The Deputy Secretary’s travel to the region reflects the United States’ commitment to engage meaningfully with fellow Pacific nations in the spirit of partnership and friendship. >> Read more.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Aotearoa New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
From State.gov. The below is attributable to State Department Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met today with Aotearoa New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The Deputy Secretary and the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of coordinating U.S.-New Zealand efforts in the Pacific, including fostering economic prosperity through a free and open Indo-Pacific. They also reiterated their commitment to continue their response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and to address the spread of COVID-19. Deputy Secretary Sherman and Prime Minister Ardern also discussed recent engagements with Pacific Island leaders.
Honored to meet with Aotearoa New Zealand Prime Minister @jacindaardern on our shared commitment to advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/dicXf6uvqp
— Wendy R. Sherman (@DeputySecState) August 9, 2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Pacific Islands Diplomatic Representatives
From State.gov. The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman participated in a talanoa roundtable discussion today with representatives from Pacific Island countries in Wellington, New Zealand. The Deputy Secretary emphasized the United States’ deep commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and to the Pacific Islands. She underscored the United States’ interest in hearing from and engaging with Pacific Island partners on their priorities, including combating climate change, countering illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing, and supporting inclusive economic development. The Deputy Secretary expressed the United States’ continued commitment to consulting and working with our Pacific Island partners, including through the Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP) initiative.
Pleased to meet with representatives from the Pacific Islands to discuss how the U.S. can support their priorities, including combating climate change and promoting regional prosperity. pic.twitter.com/CU6p75fJDt
— Wendy R. Sherman (@DeputySecState) August 9, 2022
NZ Govt signs NZ–USA agreement launching new opportunities for space sector
Press release from the New Zealand Government.
An agreement signed today between the New Zealand and United States governments will provide new opportunities for our space sector and closer collaboration with NASA, Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash said.
Stuart Nash signed the Framework Agreement with United States Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman. The signing followed Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Vice President Kamala Harris welcoming of the completion of negotiations on this agreement during their meeting in Washington, DC on 31 May 2022.
“We have an incredibly innovative space sector in New Zealand. Despite our small size, we’ve become a notable player in the global space industry, and signing the Framework Agreement marks an exciting step for our space sector,” Stuart Nash said.
“This is a huge opportunity for Kiwi companies and researchers to collaborate more closely with the US and NASA. It will facilitate space science, technology and cooperation, and focuses on building connections between our two countries’ civil space sectors and research communities.
“A close relationship with the United States is highly beneficial for supporting a thriving space sector in New Zealand. This already includes government regulatory cooperation to enable launches from New Zealand and an active dialogue on space policy issues.
“Last month, Rocket Lab launched the historic CAPSTONE Mission in support of NASA’s Artemis Program, the first-ever lunar mission launched from New Zealand soil. This was a significant milestone for Rocket Lab and is an excellent example of what can be achieved when we collaborate with our international partners.
“At a practical level, the agreement outlines a number of modes of cooperation, including exchange of data and personnel, flying instruments on aircraft and spacecraft and education and public outreach. These include space science, earth observation, education and space sustainability.
“The Framework Agreement will reduce the need to negotiate complex one-off contractual arrangements for specific missions and research projects, and increases New Zealand’s visibility as a priority space partner within the United States. This will not only improve our already world-leading research and innovation, but will also positively impact our economy. The New Zealand space sector is worth over $1.7 billion, with a space manufacturing industry that generates around $247 million every year in revenue,” Stuart Nash said.
I am honored to further our partnership with Aotearoa New Zealand with the signing of the Space Framework Agreement alongside @MBIEgovtnz Minister Nash and the conclusion of the Emergency Management and Preparedness Partnership with @NZCivildefence Minister McAnulty. pic.twitter.com/AIZzKWUtcn
— Wendy R. Sherman (@DeputySecState) August 9, 2022
Transcript – Space Framework Agreement and Disaster Management Memorandum of Cooperation.
NZ Govt strengthens emergency management cooperation between NZ and the U.S.
Press release from the New Zealand Government.
An agreement signed today between New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the United States’ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will strengthen global emergency management capability, says Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty.
“The Government is committed to continually strengthening our emergency management system, and this Memorandum of Cooperation will help to bolster disaster resilience and reduce disaster risk in both countries,” Kieran McAnulty said.
“New Zealand and the United States have a lot in common in regards to the hazards we face, our emergency management structures, and the important role indigenous communities play in emergency response and recovery.
“This agreement will allow the sharing of best practices and lessons learned from past emergencies which will contribute towards building a more disaster resilient global community.
“Over the past two decades, disasters have increased in number and severity, requiring greater international cooperation and stronger international relationships – in this changing global environment it is crucial New Zealand builds and maintains effective engagement with the rest of the world.
“This relationship is not a new one. Our emergency management agencies have had close relationships for many years and supported each other during times of crisis. In 2018 we deployed fire personnel to help combat wildfires in the US, and we will always be grateful for the support the United States provided following the 2011 Christchurch Earthquake.
“The Memorandum of Cooperation will formalise information and data sharing between our two countries, and boost opportunities to engage in joint research, as well as conferences, workshops, and exercises.
“Today’s agreement is part of NEMA’s work as an internationally recognised leader in emergency management. NEMA supports Emergency Management initiatives in the global arena with a specific focus on the Pacific and our commitments under the United Nations and regional frameworks.
“New Zealand has a number of international arrangements in place already such as the NEMA Pacific Disaster Risk Management Programme which supports Tonga, Samoa, the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau to strengthen their disaster risk management capabilities.
“I welcome this new agreement to reinforce emergency management cooperation between our two countries.”
The Memorandum of Cooperation can be viewed here.
Transcript – Space Framework Agreement and Disaster Management Memorandum of Cooperation.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with NZ’s MFAT's Secretary and Chief Executive Chris Seed
From state.gov. The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Secretary and Chief Executive Chris Seed.
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met today with MFAT Secretary and Chief Executive Chris Seed in Wellington, New Zealand, to express her thanks for New Zealand’s role in ensuring a strong Pacific Islands Forum and to discuss our shared commitment to deepening cooperation with Pacific Islands states. The Deputy Secretary and Secretary and Chief Executive discussed the People’s Republic of China’s recent actions and the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They also discussed our shared commitment to continuing to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, as well as efforts to address the global food security crisis resulting from Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine.
Thanks to @MFATNZ Secretary and Chief Executive Seed for an important discussion about our shared commitment to cooperating with Pacific Islands nations on climate change, economic development, and security. pic.twitter.com/FLKP8Zwh1a
— Wendy R. Sherman (@DeputySecState) August 9, 2022
Additional Media and Releases/Transcripts
Additional Releases/Transcripts:
- Transcript – Space Framework Agreement and Disaster Management Memorandum of Cooperation.
- Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with New Zealand Defense Minister Peeni Henare in the Solomon Islands.
- Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman to Visit Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Australia, and New Zealand.
Media:
- Senior US diplomat meets with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
- NZ ties ‘incredibly valuable’ to US, visiting diplomat says.
- NZ could eventually join AUKUS – US diplomat.
Grateful for the opportunity to thank the @usembassynz and @usembassysamoa teams today. I’m proud of the critical work they are doing to strengthen our partnerships with New Zealand and Samoa. pic.twitter.com/hTuhtXPNCT
— Wendy R. Sherman (@DeputySecState) August 9, 2022