Port Moresby: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held bilateral talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, during which they discussed enhancing ties in trade and commerce, education, sports and people-to-people.

It was the first interaction between the two leaders. PM Hipkins came to power in January this year after previous PM Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation.

PM Modi in a tweet said the two sides had an excellent meeting.

“Had an excellent meeting with New Zealand PM @chrishipkins and discussed the full range of India-NZ relations. We talked about how to improve commercial and cultural linkages between our nations.”

The MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said: “Giving fresh impetus to India-New Zealand relationship."

“PM @narendramodi met PM @chrishipkins of New Zealand in Port Moresby," he said.

“The two leaders, in what was their first interaction, discussed expanding cooperation in various sectors including trade & commerce, education, culture, sports and people to people ties," he said.