AUCKLAND: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived here on Monday (July 14) to begin his five-day working visit to New Zealand.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, touched down at the Auckland International Airport at about 11.30am local time (7.30am Malaysian time) and was received by Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Americas and Asia Group Deputy Secretary Grahame Morton.
Also present was MFAT South and Southeast Asia Divisional Manager Joanna Kempkers.
In a post on Facebook, Ahmad Zahid described the visit as part of Malaysia's ongoing strategic efforts to strengthen its long-standing ties with New Zealand, which were established in 1957.
He said it also reflects the shared commitment of both nations to continue high-level engagements and cooperation.
"I hope this visit will further strengthen our diplomatic relations, broaden strategic collaboration across various sectors and promote Malaysia's national interest on the global stage.
"May this mission bring benefits to the people and the country," he said.
During the visit, Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to meet with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, Foreign Minister Winston Peters, Maori Development Minister Tama Potaka, as well as Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Halal Industry Development Council chairman, is slated to participate in a halal forum organised by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries and engagement sessions with local industry and business leaders.
He is also expected to witness the signing of cooperation documents between both countries in the field of higher education.
Other programmes lined up include a visit to the National Crisis Management Centre, a roundtable session with the Maori community in Rotorua and a gathering with some 250 Malaysians residing in New Zealand.
The last official visit to New Zealand by a Malaysian top leader was in March 2005 by the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was then Prime Minister. - Bernama
