The 30th ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue welcomes positive developments in ASEAN-New Zealand Strategic Partnership and shares a common sentiment to bolster and promote the relations. (Photo: asean.org)Jakarta (VNA) - The 30th ASEAN-New ZealandDialogue held on June 7 in Bandar Seri Begawan welcomed positivedevelopments in ASEAN-New Zealand Strategic Partnership and shared a commonsentiment to bolster and promote the relations.
ASEAN-Brunei SOM Leader and CountryCoordinator for ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Relations Johariah Wahab and theASEAN SOM Leader of New Zealand Deborah Geels co-chaired the meeting.Senior officials of ASEAN member states or their representatives as well asofficials from the ASEAN Secretariat were also in attendance. A representativefrom Timor-Leste was present as observer.
ASEAN recognised New Zealand’s commitment to support ASEAN Centralitythrough active participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms, includingcooperation activities under the four themes stipulated in the ASEAN-NewZealand Plan of Action, namely peace, prosperity, people, and planet.
The meeting agreed to continue strengthening existing cooperation and explore new areas for future cooperation incounter-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 enhancingcooperation in the four key areas outlined in the ASEAN Outlook on theIndo-Pacific, including enhancing cooperation with countries in the Pacificsuch as through the Pacific Islands Forum.
Both sides looked forward to the signing of the 2ndProtocol to Amend the ASEAN-Australia New Zealand Free Trade of Area and calledfor the effective implementation of the Regional Comprehensive EconomicPartnership Agreement.
In the context of bolstering existing economiccooperation along with intensifying people-to-people linkages, the meetinglooked forward to the finalisation of the negotiation of the Regional AirServices Agreement between the ASEAN member states and New Zealand.
Recognising New Zealand’s role in addressing climatechange, the meeting voiced the need to amplify cooperation in the areas ofrenewable energy; climate-smart agriculture; sustainable development,bio-circular, and green economy; infrastructure and connectivity; smart cities;along with the support for the Initiative for ASEAN Integration andsub-regional development.
Both sides also looked forward to further exploringinitiatives and activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary ofASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Relations in 2025./.
