Kuala lumpur: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar remarked that the enduring partnership has brought immense benefits to both sides, highlighting the lack of serious problems since 1977 as a testament to mutual respect, shared values, and friendship. 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 stated that the CSP established at the ASEAN-New Zealand Summit 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 emphasized the deep connections between communities, education, culture, business, and defense establishments, asserting that the pillars of the relationship-peace, prosperity, and people-underscore its breadth and importance. He also noted that the CSP sets a new direction for the future, with high expectations for biennial ASEAN-New Zealand summits, closer collaboration in emerging sectors, and continued support for ASEAN-led mechanisms.
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 Ph?m Minh Chinh; Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet; Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone; and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmo. 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 kapa haka performances that brought energy and cultural vibrancy to the event.