ASEAN, New Zealand commit to bolster strategic partnership

Jakarta (VNA) – The 30th ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue held on June 7 in Bandar Seri Begawan welcomed positive developments in ASEAN-New Zealand Strategic Partnership and shared a common sentiment to bolster and promote the relations.

ASEAN-Brunei SOM Leader and Country Coordinator for ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Relations Johariah Wahab and the ASEAN SOM Leader of New Zealand Deborah Geels co-chaired the meeting. Senior officials of ASEAN member states or their representatives as well as officials from the ASEAN Secretariat were also in attendance. A representative from Timor-Leste was present as observer.

The meeting agreed to continue strengthening existing cooperation and explore new areas for future cooperation in counter-terrorism and combatting trafficking in person; cyber security; maritime cooperation; human rights; trade, investment, and digital economy; micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); people-to-people initiatives; education; and public health.

The meeting also noted the importance of enhancing cooperation in the four key areas outlined in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, including enhancing cooperation with countries in the Pacific such as through the Pacific Islands Forum.

Both sides looked forward to the signing of the 2nd Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-Australia New Zealand Free Trade of Area and called for the effective implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

In the context of bolstering existing economic cooperation along with intensifying people-to-people linkages, the meeting looked forward to the finalisation of the negotiation of the Regional Air Services Agreement between the ASEAN member states and New Zealand.

VNA