New Zealand showing commitment to Pacific at leaders meeting

Prime Minister John Key will lead New Zealand's delegation to the annual Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Papua New Guinea next week.

Key said on Monday that the meeting in Port Moresby was an opportunity to discuss the issues faced across the region.

"As a Pacific nation, New Zealand is committed to working with our closest neighbors to build a more secure and prosperous region, " Key said in a statement.

Leaders would discuss a range of issues, including climate change and fisheries, as well as wider development and political issues.

"My attendance at the forum will also provide an opportunity to meet with a number of Pacific regional leaders," he said.

He would be accompanied by Foreign Minister Murray McCully and a small business delegation.

The theme of this year's meeting is "Strengthening Connections To Enhance Pacific Regionalism."