Anwar Commends 50 Years Of Cordial ASEAN-New Zealand Partnership

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has lauded the enduring partnership between ASEAN and New Zealand, describing it as one founded on stability, trust and mutual respect, and which has successfully stood the test of time.

Speaking at a gala lunch marking the 50th anniversary of the dialogue partnership, he said the milestone underscores both sides’ shared commitment to peace, prosperity and continued regional cooperation.

“This enduring partnership has brought immense benefits to both sides. We have not encountered any serious problems since 1977 - a testament to our mutual respect, shared values and friendship,” he said in his brief remark. 

Anwar also welcomed New Zealand’s renewed commitment to strengthening its engagement with the bloc under the newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).

Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the CSP established at the ASEAN-New Zealand Summit today marks a new chapter in their shared future.

He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to elevating its relations with ASEAN, highlighting the bloc’s role as a vibrant and dynamic hub connecting peoples and economies.

Luxon said New Zealand’s formal engagement with ASEAN, which began when it became a dialogue partner, has continued to grow stronger over the years.

“We share deep connections between communities, education, culture, business, and between our defence establishments. The pillars of our relationship - peace, prosperity and people - speak to its breadth and importance.

“The CSP we established at our summit today excitingly sets a new direction for our future. We will be setting high expectations and seeking to take our relationship to new heights, including through biennial ASEAN-New Zealand summits, closer collaboration across emerging sectors and continued support for ASEAN-led mechanisms,” he said.

In attendance were other ASEAN leaders, including the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah; Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong; Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr; Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh; Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.

Also present were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof; Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Investment; Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz; and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

The ASEAN-New Zealand Gala Lunch was enlivened by captivating kapa haka performances that brought energy and cultural vibrancy to the event.

-- BERNAMA