New Zealand PM to deepen trade and defence ties with Malaysia during upcoming official visit

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 — New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will make his first official visit to Malaysia next week, a significant step in further strengthening the already strong ties between the two countries.

During his visit, Luxon will meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to explore new opportunities for deepening bilateral relations, with a specific focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment and defence.

Luxon, 54, stressed that Malaysia is an important partner on the global stage and crucial to New Zealand’s prosperity and security.

“My first official visit to Malaysia demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening the relationship with one of our old friends in Southeast Asia and expanding our cooperation into new areas.

“I look forward to reconnecting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and opening the door to greater opportunities for New Zealand businesses,” he said in a press release published on Beehive.govt.nz, the official website of the New Zealand government, on Monday (August 26).

Luxon was sworn in as prime minister in November 2023 and is said to have stated that improving the country’s economy is his top priority.

“Malaysia and New Zealand are established defence partners and we work together on regional security challenges, including transnational crime.

“Malaysia is also our ninth largest two-way trading partner. This visit provides opportunities to expand our trade and investment ties and strengthen the strong bonds between our people, through education and tourism,” he said.

Luxon will travel to Malaysia and Korea next week, accompanied by a delegation of leading businessmen.

In addition to the business delegation, the Prime Minister is accompanied by Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg and Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.

In June this year, Bernama reported that Anwar welcomed Luxon’s official visit in early September during a courtesy call by New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters in Putrajaya.

Malaysia and New Zealand established diplomatic relations on September 25, 1957, and ties have remained strong and stable ever since.

Malaysia welcomes an increasing number of tourists from New Zealand each year, with 18,238 New Zealanders visiting the country in 2022.

In addition, more than 17,000 Malaysians live in New Zealand.

In the Pacific region, Malaysia is New Zealand’s second largest trading partner, with trade volume between the two countries reaching RM6.32 billion as of June 2023. — Bernama