New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced that the United States will delay decisions on Pacific aid funding until mid-April.
During his visit to Washington, Peters engaged in “frank and open” discussions with acting USAID head Peter Marocco and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
Peters emphasized the importance of continued support for the Pacific region, stating, “They get our point of view as to how essential it is in the blue continent, or the Pacific.”
He acknowledged the necessity of aid reviews but stressed the critical nature of ongoing, proactive programs. The future structure of these initiatives depends on decisions expected by April.
Regarding his meeting with Waltz, Peters described it as “an excellent meeting,” expressing satisfaction with the outcomes while withholding specifics until briefing his Cabinet colleagues.
Peters is scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday (US time, Wednesday Tonga time).
