New Zealand reiterated support for ASEAN centrality and pledged to stay active in ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+). It further committed to coordinating priority areas under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and promoting cooperation between ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
New Zealand spoke highly of Vietnam’s coordinating role, particularly its contributions to upgrading ASEAN–New Zealand relations and facilitating the adoption of the Joint Vision Statement and the 2026-2030 Plan of Action.
Deputy Minister Giang said Vietnam and ASEAN value their trusted and long-term partnership with New Zealand. He suggested both sides effectively implement the upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and expedite procedures to bring the ASEAN-New Zealand Air Services Agreement into force soon. He called for stronger cooperation in green economy, digital economy, smart agriculture, and capacity building for climate change forecasting and adaptation.
The senior diplomat suggested that New Zealand, as a founding member of the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), share its experience and help ASEAN member states gear up for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is expected to be signed in November 2026.
