The 31st Dialogue ASEAN-New Zealand held today in Wellington has welcomed the positive development of the ASEAN-New Zealand Strategic Partnership and the shared mutual commitment to energize and promote relations.
ASEAN recognized New Zealand's commitment to supporting ASEAN Centrality, including through its participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms and the implementation of activities under the four cooperation themes of the ASEAN-New Zealand Action Plan 2021- 2025, namely Peace, Prosperity, People and Planet.
Both sides expressed the need to continue strengthening cooperation and exploring new areas of cooperation, including the fight against terrorism and human trafficking; cybersecurity; maritime cooperation; trade, investment, the digital economy; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); the green transition; initiatives between peoples; The education; and public health. Both sides have also agreed on the need to ensure the effective implementation of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP).
Philippines Highlights ASEAN-ROK Cooperation for SME Development
ASEAN welcomed New Zealand's support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and looks forward to concrete activities to enhance practical cooperation in line with the ASEAN-New Zealand Joint Declaration on Cooperation in the AOIP adopted in 2023. New Zealand also expressed its support for the Lao PDR Presidency this year, including the implementation of priorities under the theme “Increasing connectivity and resilience”.
Noting that 2025 marks the 50th Anniversary of Dialogue Relations between ASEAN and New Zealand, both sides agreed to explore initiatives and activities to commemorate the milestone and further consolidate cooperation. New Zealand also informed the Meeting of its intention to request the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with ASEAN in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of relations.
Both sides also exchanged views on issues of common interest and concern, including situations and developments in the South China Sea, Myanmar and the Middle East, among others.
Both sides expressed the need to continue strengthening cooperation and exploring new areas of cooperation.
The 31st ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue was co-chaired by ASEAN-Brunei Darussalam SOM Chair HE Johariah Wahab and New Zealand SOM Acting Chairperson HE Paula Wilson. Also in attendance were senior officials from ASEAN Member States or their representatives, and the ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Political and Security Community. Representatives of East Timor also attended as an observer.
