NZ signs MOU with German institute on Antarctica

"Antarctica is of increasing geostrategic and scientific interest, and this arrangement will broaden connections between our marine and polar science institutes," New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a statement.

Peters and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, in Auckland on an official visit to New Zealand, witnessed the MOU's signing, according to the release.

The deal comes after New Zealand in February said it was reassessing a proposed overhaul of its decades-old Antarctica base after talks with a construction firm stalled. In 2019, New Zealand announced plans to revamp the base but since then projected costs have surged by more than 50 per cent.

The Antarctic, due south of New Zealand and Australia, is increasingly crowded, with China opening its fifth research base there in February. Western governments are worried China's increased presence in the Antarctic and Arctic could provide the People's Liberation Army (PLA) better surveillance capabilities.

Peters and Baerbock also discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and enhanced co-operation in the Pacific.

"New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system and human rights," Peters said.

"Germany is our largest export market in Europe. It is also New Zealand's most important science and innovation partner and largest education market in Europe, and the source of significant numbers of tourists and young people on working holidays."

The Alfred Wegener Institute is the largest scientific organisation in Germany and co-ordinates German polar research efforts, according to its website.

Baerbock also met with New Zealand's ministers Simon Watts and Judith Collins to discuss space, science and climate change co-operation.

On Sunday, she will become the German foreign minister to visit Fiji.

with DPA

Australian Associated Press