WELLINGTON—The fifth Philippines–New Zealand Foreign Ministry Consultations sessions were convened in early December 2018, led by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asia and Pacific Affairs Meynardo LB. Montealegre and New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry’s Divisional Manager for South and South East Asia Andrew Needs, as the meetings discussed a wide range of bilateral issues.
The deliberations reinforced both countries’ commitment to further strengthen relations. They also agreed to enhance cooperation in the areas of trade and investments, defense and security, people-to-people exchanges, agriculture, education, energy, labor and science, as well as technology.
Representatives from both sides also discussed significant regional and global developments, and how they could cooperate in harnessing the opportunities that these developments present.
New Zealand is home to more than 40,000 Filipino migrants, students and workers engaged in various areas of New Zealand labor sector. Their contributions to the South Pacific archipelago’s society and economy are highly valued by its government and citizens.
The latest round of consultations will take place in the Philippines on a mutually agreeable date.
Both countries share more than five decades of diplomatic relations, marked by robust political and economic cooperation, as well as warm people-to-people ties.
Image credits: Wellington PE