Foreign Minister, Nanaia Mahuta will depart New Zealand tomorrow bound for will Japan and Singapore to strengthen the nation’s connections with its Indo-Pacific partners.
“Reconnecting New Zealand remains a key priority as we look to strengthen our economic resilience, and progress even stronger ties with our international partners,” said Ms Mahuta.
“Japan is our fourth-largest trading partner and an important source of investment. These links between our two countries are critical to New Zealand’s economic recovery and resilience,” she said.
“I will meet with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi to discuss how we work together to ensure prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
“We will also discuss how our governments and business are collaborating on the technologies which will be needed to build the sustainable economies of the future.”
The Minister will also meet with other senior Japanese political leaders, attend a roundtable on Maori business with the Japan-New Zealand Business Council, and connect with Pacific Ambassadors.
She will be accompanied by a Maori delegation which she said will help to strengthen Maori business and people-to-people links.
“I am looking to promote opportunities to further grow Māori commercial and cultural opportunities with Japanese partners.”
Minister Mahuta said the two nations had a relationship that was close, longstanding and enduring.
Japan is a close, like-minded partner in the Indo-Pacific. We share common values and a commitment to an open, peaceful, prosperous and secure region, she said.
In Singapore, the Minister will attend the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s Asia Honorary Advisers Meeting. This is the first in-person meeting of the Honorary Advisers network, which she chairs, since 2018.
Singapore is our fifth-largest trading partner and our largest in South East Asia. It is also a vital transport hub for New Zealand exporters.
“Our bi-lateral relationship with Singapore became even stronger with last years refresh of the New Zealand-Singapore Enhanced Partnership which focussed on climate change cooperation and the transition to a green economy,” said Ms Mahuta.
“I look forward to connecting in person with the Asia Honorary Advisers and discussing how we can work together to strengthen connections between Aotearoa and Asia.”
In Singapore, the Minister will meet with Singapore’s Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen and Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister Adaljiza Magno, both of whom are Asia New Zealand Foundation Honorary Advisers. During her meeting with Minister Magno, she will sign the New Zealand – Timor-Leste Statement of Partnership.
The Minister will return to Aotearoa New Zealand on Friday 3 March.
