Murray McCully

Wellington, Jan 12 NZPA - Fiji and New Zealand have agreed to improve diplomatic relations, signalling a thaw in the spat over the December 2006 coup in Fiji.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully said today the agreement followed his talks with Fijian counterpart, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, in Nadi on Friday and Saturday.

Issues of bilateral interest to both countries were discussed in a positive and constructive atmosphere, Mr McCully said.

Relations between the countries have been frosty since the head of the Fijian military forces, Commodore Frank Bainimarama overthrew prime minister Laisenia Qarase in a coup in December 2006.

The two governments have agreed to an additional counsellor being appointed for Fiji in Wellington, and for New Zealand in Suva, with approval in principle for deputy head of mission appointments in each capital to follow soon.

The two foreign ministers agreed to keep in close contact and to meet as necessary in future.

NZPA