Germany to recognize Niue, a Pacific island linked to New Zealand

The German government is set to establish diplomatic relations with Niue, the South Pacific self-governed island that has strong links to New Zealand, a spokesman said on Wednesday.

Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius told journalists that Germany was keen to deepen cooperation with the Pacific islands and the Pacific Islands Forum including on fighting climate change.

Recognizing Niue and establishing diplomatic relations with the island of some 1,700 will contribute to his, Kornelius said.

Niue is located some 2,400 kilometres north-east of New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean.

It was part of New Zealand before Wellington agreed to restore self-governance in 1974.

However, the island state remains in "free association" with New Zealand, with Wellington providing assistance in economic, administrative, defence and foreign affairs.

Niueans are citizens of New Zealand. With an area of some 260 square kilometres, the island is about roughly the same size as Edinburgh.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is to send a letter to formally announce recognition and the establishment of diplomatic relations.

However, Germany does not intend to establish an embassy on the island. The German mission in Wellington, the New Zealand capital, will be in charge of handling the island's affairs, a spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said.