New Zealand Seeks To Upgrade Ties With ASEAN As Partnership Marks 50 Years

By Zarul Effendi Razali

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- New Zealand is seeking to strengthen its bilateral ties with the ASEAN bloc as both sides mark 50 years of dialogue relations this year, said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

He said the partnership is central to the country’s foreign policy priorities, and the 50-year milestone represents a chance for ASEAN and New Zealand to renew their commitment to closer cooperation in areas such as trade, security, and people-to-people exchanges.

He said that New Zealand is eager to upgrade its existing partnership with ASEAN to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting the growing importance of the grouping amid global uncertainties.

He said that the Pacific Islands Forum and ASEAN are two important bodies due to their centrality, and that the convening power of both regional pacts would help bring the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions together.

Consisting of 18 members including New Zealand, the Pacific Islands Forum is an intergovernmental organisation founded in 1971 to foster regional cooperation among the nations and territories of Oceania, focusing on, among others, peace and security, climate change, governance, and sustainable development.

“And I want to see both sub-regions actually working together more closely,” he told BERNAMA in an exclusive interview in Auckland, recently.

The interview was broadcasted Wednesday on "New Zealand and ASEAN At 50 Years Partnership", a special programme by Bernama TV in conjunction with the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits.

Luxon said ASEAN’s convening power remains vital in amplifying the collective voice of small and medium-sized countries in addressing regional and global challenges.

“The world is increasingly volatile and uncertain. It is important for us to come together through ASEAN to discuss the challenges we face and the opportunities that exist for our people,” he said.

The Prime Minister also stressed that the partnership is crucial at a time when the global rules-based order is facing increasing strain.

“We are seeing rules give way to power, and that’s why it is vital for ASEAN countries and partners like New Zealand and Australia to work even more closely together,” he said.

Luxon said that New Zealand has made deepening relations with ASEAN a top priority under its foreign affairs reset.

He commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership in promoting ASEAN’s centrality and representing the region on the global stage.

“Prime Minister Anwar has done a fantastic job advocating for ASEAN and ensuring the region’s voice is heard internationally,” he said.

On regional cooperation, Luxon said New Zealand also hopes to see stronger ties between ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum, given their shared interests and geographic proximity.

He said New Zealand will chair the Pacific Islands Forum in 2027, while Singapore will lead ASEAN that same year, presenting a “fantastic opportunity” for the two regions to build closer cooperation.

Luxon added that New Zealand looks forward to the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this month, describing Malaysia as an important host in convening key global leaders for crucial discussions.

“Malaysia will be the centre of global attention as leaders gather in Kuala Lumpur to discuss major regional and international issues,” he said.

Malaysia will host the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from Oct 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre under its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship themed "Inclusivity and Sustainability".

-- BERNAMA