Peters to go on European tour

Foreign Minister Winston Peters is to go on a two week, five-country visit to Europe.

He will hold talks with senior ministers in France, Hungary, Germany, Poland and Switzerland.

Mr Peters said today that expressing appreciation for European engagement in the Pacific was one of his key aims.

"The attention the EU (European Union) pays to the Pacific, both political and developmental, is highly valued by New Zealand," he said in a statement.

"I will be encouraging all four EU member states I visit to remain engaged in the Pacific by contributing to the EU's work in the region."

Mr Peters said he would seek a non-EU perspective in Switzerland, where he would discuss issues including the environment, disarmament, reform of the United Nations and human rights.

He leaves on Sunday.

- NZPA