The 31st ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue was held today, April 19 in the capital Wellington, sharing a common commitment to strengthen and promote the strategic partnership.
Delegates attending the 31st ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue in Wellington, April 19. (Source: Asean.org)
ASEAN recognizes New Zealand’s commitment to support ASEAN centrality, including through participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms and implementation of activities under the four cooperation themes of the Action Plan. ASEAN-New Zealand 2021-2025, including peace, prosperity, people and planet.
The two sides expressed the need to continue to strengthen cooperation and explore new areas of cooperation, including anti-terrorism and anti-human trafficking; network security; maritime cooperation; trade, investment, digital economy; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME); green transformation; people-to-people exchange initiatives; education; and public health. The two sides also agreed on the need to ensure effective implementation of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
ASEAN welcomes New Zealand’s support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and looks forward to concrete activities to strengthen practical cooperation in accordance with the ASEAN-New Joint Statement Zealand on AOIP cooperation adopted in 2023. New Zealand also expressed support for Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship this year, including the implementation of priorities under the theme “Strengthening connectivity and recovery ability”.
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand dialogue relations. The two sides agreed to seek initiatives and activities to commemorate this important milestone and further strengthen cooperative relations. New Zealand announced at the Conference its intention to upgrade its comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN next year.
The two sides also exchanged views on issues of mutual concern, including the situation and developments in the East Sea, Myanmar, the Middle East…
The 31st ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue was co-chaired by Head of SOM ASEAN Brunei Darussalam Johariah Wahab and acting Head of SOM New Zealand Paula Wilson. Also attending were senior officials of ASEAN member countries and the ASEAN Deputy Secretary General in charge of the ASEAN Political-Security Community. Timor-Leste representatives were also present as observers.
