MALAYSIA-NEW ZEALAND HOLD ANNUAL FOREIGN MINISTERS' MEETING

KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and New Zealand held their Annual Foreign Ministers’ Meeting here today, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation and exploring new collaboration opportunities under the Strategic Partnership framework.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, in a Facebook post today, stated that the meeting, chaired by him, was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Winston Peters, who is currently on a four-day working visit to Malaysia.

"In addition to discussing issues and bilateral cooperation, Malaysia and New Zealand have exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.  

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"Attention was also given to efforts to strengthen trade, diplomatic relations, and security cooperation between the two countries," said Mohamad.

A Bernama report earlier said Peters arrived here on Thursday.

Malaysia and New Zealand established diplomatic relations on September 25, 1957, and since then, the bilateral relations between the two countries have remained strong and stable.

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Malaysia has consistently seen an increase in tourists from New Zealand each year, with 18,238 New Zealanders visiting Malaysia in 2022. Additionally, over 17,000 Malaysians reside in New Zealand.

In the Pacific region, Malaysia is New Zealand's second-largest trading partner, with trade between the two countries reaching RM6.32 billion (US$1.42 billion) as of June 2023.

The Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), which includes Malaysia and New Zealand along with Australia, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, is one of the world's longest-standing defense arrangements.

-- BERNAMA