Kuala lumpur: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the necessity for stronger ASEAN-New Zealand cooperation in trade, maritime security, and sustainable development during the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This call comes as both parties commemorate 50 years of dialogue relations and seek to elevate their partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos expressed gratitude to New Zealand for its support of ASEAN Centrality and highlighted the significance of cooperation under the four pillars of Peace, Prosperity, People, and Planet. On the topic of Peace, he specifically acknowledged New Zealand’s contribution to maritime cooperation, particularly through its support for workshops under the ASEAN Regional Forum focused on implementing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Marcos reiterated the Philippines’ appreciation for New Zealand’s role in advancing ASEAN’s maritime priorities, rooted in international law and the 1982 UNCLOS. He also welcomed the enforcement of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), underscoring its potential to expand market access, enhance regulatory certainty, and create new opportunities in e-commerce, sustainable trade, and MSME growth.
In the realm of sustainable agriculture and fisheries, President Marcos called for deeper cooperation with New Zealand, citing the country’s expertise in agritech and value-chain integration as essential components for enhancing food security amid ongoing climate and market challenges.
Additionally, President Marcos recognized New Zealand’s scholarship programs, such as the Manaaki Scholarships and the Mindanao Young Leaders Programme, which contribute to fostering regional understanding and building the capacities of young Filipino leaders. He also acknowledged New Zealand’s support for the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, based in the Philippines, and expressed optimism for stronger collaboration in conservation and environmental protection.
President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to the ASEAN-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the proposed biennial ASEAN-New Zealand Summit, noting that these initiatives will advance the partnership for the benefit of all involved peoples. This summit takes place as ASEAN aims to bolster trade and security ties amidst geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties in the Indo-Pacific region.
ASEAN’s membership includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
