Auckland  – The 22nd ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue was successfully held last week in Auckland, New Zealand. The Dialogue noted with satisfaction the progress of the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration for ASEAN-New Zealand Comprehensive Partnership (2010-2015) and the New Zealand’s Four Flagship Initiatives.

Both sides look forward to the finalisation of the next ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action (2016-2020), which is expected to be launched at the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit, to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Dialogue Relations, in November 2015 in Malaysia. The Dialogue also touched upon preparations for the above-mentioned Summit as well as its key deliverables.

The Dialogue discussed future direction of the ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue cooperation in practical and effective manner, taking into account the ASEAN post-2015 priorities, and potentials and interest of both sides.

The Dialogue was co-chaired by Mr. Alounkeo Kittikhoun, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR and Mr. Craig Hawke, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand. The Dialogue was attended by representatives from all ASEAN Member States at the Senior Officials Meeting and Director-General levels, as well as representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat.

Indonesia, as the upcoming country coordinator for the ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Relations, will host the 23rd ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue in 2016.