Wellington, April 1 (IANS) India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Muanpuii Saiawi presented her Letter of Credence to New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro on Wednesday who conveyed her best wishes to the Indian diplomat for her new assignment.
The presentation of credentials ceremony started with a traditional Maori welcome.
“High Commissioner Ms. Muanpuii Saiawi presented her Letter of Credence to H.E. The Right Hon’ble Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand who conveyed her best wishes for assignment. The presentation of credentials ceremony commenced with traditional Maori welcome,” India’s High Commission in New Zealand posted on X.
“At the invitation of Governor General, High Commissioner sang Indian patriotic song ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’ and Maori ‘Waiata TeAroha’. India & New Zealand are witnessing greater momentum in their existing multifaceted warm and friendly bilateral relations,” it added.
On March 21, Muanpuii Saiawi assumed charge at India’s High Commission in New Zealand. Officers and staff members of the High Commission received Saiawi.
Saiawi, who served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), was appointed as India’s High Commissioner of India to New Zealand in January. She is an Indian Foreign Service officer from the 2005 batch.
India and New Zealand have maintained warm and friendly ties. Diplomatic ties between two nations were established in 1952. Both countries share similarities such as membership of the Commonwealth, common law practices and pursuing shared aspirations of achieving economic development and prosperity through democratic governance systems for diverse communities.
Last October, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur, during which they reaffirmed their commitment to a secure Indo-Pacific region.
“A pleasure meeting PM Christopher Luxon of New Zealand on the sidelines of ASEAN 2025 meetings. Extended warm greetings from PM Narendra Modi. Welcome his commitment to advance our bilateral cooperation and nurture a free and open Indo-Pacific,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X.
–IANS
akl/as
