Việtnam Co-Chairs ASEAN–New Zealand Talks, Focus on Future Cooperation and Regional Stability

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer:The 14th Meeting of the ASEAN–New Zealand Joint Cooperation Committee was convened at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Friday, co-chaired by the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to ASEAN in its role as Country Coordinator, alongside the New Zealand Mission to ASEAN.

The meeting reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation and outlined key priorities for the coming years, following major milestones achieved in 2025. These included the 50th anniversary of ASEAN–New Zealand Dialogue Relations, the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), and the adoption of the ASEAN–New Zealand Plan of Action for 2026–2030.

Both sides noted the full implementation of the 2021–2025 Plan of Action, highlighting impactful initiatives such as the Manaaki Scholarships, training programmes for young trade officials, and New Zealand’s support for ASEAN specialised centres. New Zealand Ambassador Joanna Anderson commended Việt Nam for its proactive and effective coordination during the 2024–2025 period.

New Zealand reaffirmed its strong commitment to ASEAN’s principles, including adherence to international law and global norms such as the UN Charter, the WTO framework, and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It also pledged to deepen engagement with ASEAN through strategic, economic, and multilateral cooperation grounded in mutual respect, transparency, and constructive dialogue.

Looking ahead, both parties agreed to prioritise the implementation of the 2026–2030 Plan of Action through targeted initiatives, including scholarships, climate action programmes, and investments aimed at strengthening climate-resilient Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

In its coordinating capacity, Việt Nam has also worked with New Zealand to develop the Terms of Reference for the ASEAN–New Zealand Vision Fund, valued at NZD 25 million. The fund will support projects in governance, economic development, climate action, and capacity building, with ASEAN member states encouraged to actively propose initiatives.

Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Tôn Thị Ngọc Hương emphasised the importance of New Zealand’s continued engagement in ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+), and the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF), to foster trust, dialogue, and regional stability.

She also underscored the need to enhance maritime cooperation, including strengthening maritime domain awareness, leveraging technology and artificial intelligence, improving search and rescue capabilities, safeguarding undersea infrastructure, and addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

On economic cooperation, the ambassador called for increased support for MSMEs to better utilise agreements such as the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), alongside boosting digital economy collaboration and expediting the ASEAN–New Zealand Air Services Agreement.

The meeting further highlighted cooperation in smart agriculture, renewable energy, climate finance, and education programmes, including continued support for scholarship initiatives. Việt Nam also urged New Zealand to assist ASEAN in narrowing development gaps through the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan V.

Additionally, Việt Nam introduced upcoming initiatives such as the Asia Future Forum and a proposed ASEAN–New Zealand subregional development cooperation framework, which garnered positive interest from participating countries.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment between ASEAN and New Zealand to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, fostering enhanced cooperation and contributing to regional peace, stability, and sustainable development.