Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim commended New Zealand as one of ASEAN’s most reliable and long-standing partners during a summit marking 50 years of diplomatic and trade collaboration between the two sides.
Speaking at a special luncheon attended by ASEAN leaders, Anwar expressed his gratitude to New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, referring to him as a close ally of the region and a “true friend of ASEAN.”
“We have been together for 50 years… we consider you a great friend, a great team, and I have no doubt that our colleagues in ASEAN share the same sentiment,” Anwar said.
Malaysia and New Zealand are currently working to complete the review of the Malaysia–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (MNZFTA) by the end of 2025. The agreement, first signed 16 years ago, continues to serve as a cornerstone of trade and economic collaboration between the two nations.
According to preliminary statistics from the ASEAN Secretariat, total two-way trade between ASEAN and New Zealand reached US$12.66 billion (RM53.1 billion) in 2024. ASEAN remains New Zealand’s third-largest trading partner, contributing to nearly 10 percent of New Zealand’s total trade volume in 2023.
Earlier in the day, Luxon held a closed-door discussion with ASEAN leaders to explore new regional opportunities, including an updated air services agreement aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and cooperation.
In his opening remarks, Luxon emphasized the importance of maintaining close ties and open dialogue amid a rapidly changing global environment.
“Together, our cooperation makes each other more prosperous and more secure in a challenging world. We base our relations on peace, partnership and respect,” Luxon stated.
“Dialogue is essential for understanding and bridging differences. Under our comprehensive strategic partnership, we will meet formally every two years as leaders to strengthen our cooperation.”
As both nations look toward the future, the message from Kuala Lumpur is clear — mutual respect, shared prosperity, and open dialogue remain at the heart of ASEAN–New Zealand relations.
This ongoing collaboration stands as a model of diplomacy built on trust, regional stability, and a commitment to economic inclusivity — proving that when nations work together, progress follows naturally.
