Vietnam pledges greater contributions to ASEAN-New Zealand ties

The Vietnamese diplomat voiced her hope that ASEAN and New Zealand will launch more practical activities together as part of efforts to raise awareness among their people and enterprises to capitalise on  business co-operation opportunities.

She thanked Brunei for successfully fulfilling its current role as co-ordinator of ASEAN-New Zealand relations and affirmed that as the next co-ordinator, the Vietnamese side stands ready to work alongside New Zealand to reinforce the special bilateral relations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand relations in 2025.

At the meeting, ASEAN and New Zealand reaffirmed their commitment to fostering their partnership whilst boosting ties, including through continued implementation of the ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action from 2021 to 2025.

The bloc welcomed New Zealand’s support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and looked forward to concrete activities which seek to boost practical cooperation in line with the ASEAN-New Zealand Joint Statement on Cooperation on the AOIP adopted in 2023.

Meanwhile, New Zealand has committed to supporting the ASEAN Centrality, particularly through its participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms and implementation of co-operation activities under the four themes outlined in the Plan of Action 2021 to 2025 oof Peace, Prosperity, People, and Planet.

Noting that 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Relations, a new Plan of Action from 2026 to 2030 will also be adopted next year, with both sides consenting to explore initiatives and activities to commemorate the milestone and further substantiate co-operation.

New Zealand reiterated its intention to request the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of relations.