From Ahmad Erwan Othman
AUCKLAND, July 14 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has described people-to-people ties as the “glue” that binds the long-standing partnership between Malaysia and New Zealand.
He noted that thousands of Malaysian students have pursued their studies in New Zealand over the years, and that tourism between the two countries continues to flourish.
“These exchanges are not just heartwarming, they’re the glue that holds economic ties together, builds trust, and creates long-term understanding,” he said at the ASEAN-New Zealand Business Council (ANZBC) Engagement here this evening.
As the current ASEAN Chair, Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia invites New Zealand to stand alongside the region in shaping a more human-centred and future-ready ASEAN.
“Let us focus not just on expanding trade, but on shaping a region that is not only open for business but open to change, innovation, and inclusion,” he added.
The ANZBC Engagement was jointly organised by the High Commission of Malaysia, ANZBC, and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
It is aimed to deepen bilateral economic ties, explore trade and investment opportunities, and strengthen business-to-business networks between ASEAN and New Zealand.
Ahmad Zahid arrived here earlier today to begin his five-day working visit to New Zealand.
Among his programmes are meetings 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.
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
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