New High Commisioners for Samoa and Tonga named

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully has today announced New Zealand's new High Commissioners to Samoa and Tonga.

Career diplomat, Jackie Frizelle, has been named High Commissioner to Samoa.

Ms Frizelle most recently served as director of strategy and effectiveness for the New Zealand Aid Programme at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

"Ms Frizelle has extensive experience in the Pacific and will bring an impressive mix of strategic and practical skills to her new role," Mr McCully said.

"New Zealand and Samoa have a strong and unique relationship - one that was cemented 50 years ago with the Treaty of Friendship."

Meanwhile Mark Talbot, also a career diplomat, has been named High Commissioner to Tonga.

Mr Talbot is currently counsellor at the New Zealand High Commission in Canberra. He has previously served at the New Zealand mission to the European Union and as private secretary to the United Kingdom Cabinet Secretary.

"Tonga is New Zealand's closest independent neighbour and we work closely on a number of key matters, especially in relation to the Pacific Islands Forum," Mr McCully said.

"Mr Talbot's trade negotiations skills and experience supporting two successful Pacific Islands Forums will prove invaluable."

- nzherald.co.nz