ASEAN, New Zealand Reaffirm 50 Years Of Partnership

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon shared a light-hearted moment at the start of the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit, exchanging pleasantries over the lunch menu. 

Anwar jokingly asked Luxon, the host of the ASEAN-New Zealand Gala Lunch today, whether the beef was air-flown from New Zealand, to which the latter replied, “Of course, it's the best in the world.”

The response prompted Anwar to add, “All right, thank you – we have halal arrangements, so you don’t worry,” reassuring the guests.

In his opening remarks, Anwar said the ASEAN-New Zealand partnership, which marks five decades of enduring cooperation, continues to be guided by the principles of inclusivity and sustainability.

He added that the half-century partnership between ASEAN and Wellington not only celebrates shared history but also seeks new ways to enhance relations and open up opportunities for cooperation.

“New Zealand has stood with ASEAN through moments of prosperity and in times of trial. From humanitarian crisis to global uncertainties, so the conversations will of course open up new avenues to not only navigate, but also explore new opportunities,” he said.

Earlier today, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, at the Halal Diplomacy event hosted by New Zealand, welcomed the country’s interest in joining the soon-to-be-established ASEAN Halal Council.

He also said the halal industry remains a cornerstone of Malaysia-New Zealand cooperation, noting that both nations can further expand opportunities through the Halal Implementation Arrangement (HIA).

Meanwhile, Luxon, in his opening remarks, said New Zealand and ASEAN will continue to work closely under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to promote dialogue, regional stability and a rules-based international order.

“Today, in a world troubled by volatility and a region where old certainties are no longer guaranteed, ASEAN and New Zealand still hold strong in our belief in the same things. The importance of words rather than weapons. A rules-based order where size does not determine rights.

“A world where trade stays open, and an Indo-Pacific region in which ASEAN helps anchor a stable and a prosperous regional architecture based in international law. ASEAN and New Zealand, together, have agency to shape our regional and global order, and so we will continue to work closely together to do so, and I'm excited about the future direction of our relationship,” he said.

Luxon said 2025 would be a significant year for both sides, not only celebrating the golden jubilee of ASEAN-New Zealand relations but also the 20th anniversary of New Zealand’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

He said two-way trade between New Zealand and ASEAN remains robust, supported by two major free trade agreements – the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA).

“We are signing a new regional air services agreement today. Put another way, we trade in three days now what we did in all of 1975 with ASEAN countries.

“… together, our cooperation makes each other more prosperous and more secure in a challenging world. We base our relations on peace and partnership and respect. New Zealand values ASEAN's convening power, bringing together diverse states and their voices on issues that impact us all,” he said.

Luxon also congratulated Timor-Leste on its formal entry as a full ASEAN member, adding that New Zealand had long supported the nation’s aspirations to join the regional bloc.

The commemorative summit celebrates the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand dialogue relations, established in 1975.

Over the decades, the partnership has expanded beyond development assistance to encompass trade, education and regional stability.

-- BERNAMA