New Delhi, May 6 -- Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita is set to visit New Zealand and Fiji from May 8-12.

In a statement on Tuesday, the External Affairs Ministry announced that during the minister's visit to New Zealand from May 8-9, he is expected to have bilateral meetings with the political leadership.

He will also interact with prominent leaders of the business community and members of the Indian diaspora in Auckland, the MEA statement read.

India and New Zealand have historically shared close and cordial ties. Similarities such as membership in the Commonwealth, common law practices and pursuing shared aspirations of achieving economic development and prosperity through democratic govern...