KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and New Zealand have reaffirmed their half-century partnership, with leaders from both sides pledging to deepen cooperation in trade, education, renewable energy, and the digital economy at a commemorative lunch marking 50 years of Asean–New Zealand ties.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, joined regional leaders to celebrate the occasion yesterday.
At the lunch hosted by Luxon, guests were feted with New Zealand cuisine.
The lunch was held after the Asean-New Zealand Commemorative Leaders’ Summit to mark the 50th anniversary of Asean and New Zealand as dialogue partners.
Anwar described the afternoon as “vibrant”, highlighting the distinctiveness of New Zealand’s cuisine, complemented by a spirited Kapa Haka performance that showcased the country’s rich culture and warm hospitality.
“Over the decades, this partnership has brought immense benefit through trust, understanding and shared purpose. We are committed to strengthening it further – expanding cooperation in trade, investment and regional integration so that this enduring friendship continues to grow stronger for generations to come,” he said.
Earlier at the summit, Luxon said that the trade between South-East Asian nations and Wellington has experienced significant growth over the past 50 years.
“We currently have two comprehensive regional free trade agreements: the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Asean-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area. These agreements facilitate two-way trade amounting to NZ$30bil (RM72.86bil) annually, and we are also in the process of signing a new regional air services agreement.
“To put it another way, we trade in three days now what we did in all of 1975 with Asean countries,” he said at the summit, held in conjunction with the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits.
He said the Asean-New Zealand relationship touches on all domains, from education to agriculture and from renewable energy to the digital economy.
“New Zealand values Asean’s convening power, bringing together diverse states and their voices on issues that impact us all.
“Dialogue is essential for enhancing understanding and bridging differences. Under our comprehensive strategic partnership, we will meet formally as leaders more often every two years,” he added.
Anwar, who chaired the summit, said New Zealand and Asean are not only celebrating an enduring partnership but have also found new ways to enhance their relationship.
