KUALA LUMPUR, October 4 – Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah stated that the bilateral relations between Malaysia and New Zealand are now stronger, especially as both nations understand each other’s economic needs and sensitivities. The Agong emphasized the robust relationship through several visits by leaders of both countries since last year. “This year, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister and Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry visited New Zealand, and we received a visit from New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Nanaia Mahuta, in August last year.
“These reciprocal visits have paved the way for closer cooperation in the economic and halal sectors, as well as the empowerment of indigenous communities. “It is timely that our multifaceted cooperation has achieved success, elevating our bilateral relations to a strategic partnership in May 2023,” said Al-Sultan Abdullah during a state banquet to honor New Zealand’s Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and delegation at the National Palace here on Monday. Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also attended the banquet.
The Agong also expressed satisfaction that Malaysia and New Zealand have enjoyed robust growth in trade relations, with New Zealand remaining Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner in the Pacific region in 2022. Conversely, Malaysia is New Zealand’s third-largest trading partner among ASEAN countries. On Monday, Al-Sultan Abdullah said the bilateral relationship spans various sectors, from people-to-people ties to education and the economy. For instance, New Zealand is a significant partner for Malaysia in higher education, with over 800 Malaysian students pursuing various fields of study in New Zealand.
“We hope more Malaysian students will have the opportunity to study in New Zealand,” said Al-Sultan Abdullah. The Agong also extended a warm welcome to all visitors from New Zealand, mentioning that in 2022, over 15,000 New Zealand tourists visited Malaysia. He hopes this number will continue to increase, aiming to reach pre-COVID levels of approximately 56,000 annually. Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed delight at Kiro and her delegation’s visit, describing it as a sign of the close friendship between both nations. May this state visit further strengthen the bonds of friendship and enhance the bilateral relations between Malaysia and New Zealand,” said Al-Sultan Abdullah.
This marks Kiro’s first visit to Malaysia and Southeast Asia since assuming the position of New Zealand’s Governor-General on October 21, 2021. New Zealand is Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner in the Pacific region, with the total trade between the two countries standing at RM6.32 billion (US$1.42 billion) as of June 2023, a 15.3% increase compared to RM5.48 billion (US$1.27 billion) for the same period in 2022.
