New Zealand's Minister of Pacific Island Affairs Mark Gosche is to visit Samoa next week.

"It will be an opportunity for our governments to renew and strengthen our longstanding relationship," Mr Gosche said in Wellington today.

While in Samoa he is to meet with the Prime Minister Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and other Cabinet Ministers. He will visit various Official Development Assistance projects funded by the New Zealand Government.

On Tuesday Mr Gosche is to present a keynote address to the FAGASA international conference of Samoan language advocates.

A New Zealand born Samoan, Mr Gosche entered Parliament in 1996 and is New Zealand's first Cabinet Minister with a Pacific heritage. He is responsible for the Transport (including Civil Aviation), Housing and Pacific Island Affairs portfolios.

ENDS

Itinerary for Mark Gosche

Media please note press conference on Thursday 13 April at 5.30pm.

Monday 10 April

 Official calls on the Prime Minister Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and other Cabinet Ministers

Tuesday 11 April

 Visit Fono (Samoan Parliament)

 Official meetings

 Address FAGASA conference dinner

Wednesday 12 April

 Visit New Zealand Official Development Assistance Small Business Enterprise Centre Office in Savaii

 Visit Mataavave Junior School (Mr Gosche will be presenting resources for the NZODA-funded school project)

Thursday 13 April

 Visit South Auckland health officials

 Visit National Hospital and briefing on the NZODA child health project suite (Mr Gosche will be presenting resources for the hospital's children's ward)

 Attend final session of FAGASA conference

 5.30pm – Press Conference at the New Zealand Residence Suite

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