KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today hailed Asean’s partnership with New Zealand, as the bloc met at a summit to commemorate half a century of diplomatic cooperation and a free trade agreement.

Anwar thanked New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, describing him as a close friend of the region during a luncheon held with other leaders from Asean member states here.

“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,” the prime minister said in a brief speech delivered during the luncheon.

Malaysia and New Zealand are looking to conclude the review of the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (MNZFTA) by the end of this year. The deal was inked 16 years ago.

New Zealand is one of the five Dialogue Partners of Asean that signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) on November 15, 2020.

Total two-way trade between the bloc and New Zealand reached US$12.66 billion (RM53.1 billion) in 2024, according to Asean Secretariat’s preliminary statistics.

Asean is New Zealand’s third largest trading partner, accounting for a tenth of the country’s total trade in 2023.

Earlier, Luxon held a closed-door meeting with Asean member states. One of the key items on the agenda was a new regional air services agreement.

The New Zealand prime minister in his opening remarks said his country is keen to keep ties with Asean members close, expressing his support for continued dialogue in a world that is becoming more fragmented.

“Together, our cooperation makes each other more prosperous and more secure in a challenging world. We base our relations on peace, partnership and respect,” he said.

“New Zealand values Asean’s convening power, bringing together diverse states and their voices on issues that impact us all.

“Dialogue is essential for enhancing, understanding and bridging differences. Under our comprehensive strategic partnership, we will meet formally as leaders more often every two years,” he added.