Rt Hon Winston Peters
Minister of Foreign Affairs

20 October 2006
Media statement

New High Commissioner to PNG

New Zealand’s next High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea will be career diplomat Niels Holm, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said today.

“New Zealand and Papua New Guinea have a strong and positive relationship, which encompasses substantial development assistance as well as political and trade links," Mr Peters said.

"PNG is also an important regional partner, and we work closely on many Pacific issues."

Mr Holm is currently Deputy Director of the Pacific Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has previously served as Ambassador to Iran, and was New Zealand's first Ambassador to Afghanistan.

Mr Holm takes up his appointment in January, replacing Laurie Markes.

ENDS

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