Wellington talks focus on stronger bilateral ties, trade, education, agriculture and regional cooperation
Pakistan and New Zealand have moved to strengthen bilateral relations after holding key political and trade discussions in Wellington, with both sides exploring new opportunities in commerce, education, agriculture, technology and investment.
The 5th round of Pakistan–New Zealand Political Consultations and the 3rd meeting of the Pakistan–New Zealand Joint Trade Committee (JTC) were held in the New Zealand capital, providing a platform to review ongoing cooperation and identify new areas of partnership.
The political consultations were co-chaired by Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary for Asia Pacific, Ambassador Dr. Syed Ali Asad Gillani, and Grahame Morton, Deputy Secretary of the Americas and Asia Group at New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Pakistan, New Zealand Review Bilateral Relations
During the consultations, the two countries reviewed developments in their bilateral relationship and discussed ways to expand cooperation in several areas. These included economic development, science and technology, education, counterterrorism, transnational crime, high-level exchanges and people-to-people contacts.
The delegations also discussed regional and global developments and agreed on the importance of closer coordination through multilateral platforms.
Pakistan briefed New Zealand on its efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East while also highlighting developments in South Asia, including the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and concerns regarding India’s continued violations of the Indus Waters Treaty.
New Zealand acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive contribution toward efforts aimed at promoting peace in the Middle East.
Trade and Investment Cooperation Gets Focus
The separate Joint Trade Committee meeting concentrated on expanding bilateral trade and investment. Pakistan’s delegation was led by Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul Khawaja, while the New Zealand side was headed by Grahame Morton.
Agriculture, livestock, information technology, education and services emerged as key areas for enhanced economic cooperation.
Both sides considered measures to improve market access and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Discussions also covered potential technical cooperation in wool production and plant protection, along with institutional mechanisms to support stronger economic ties.
Education Cooperation Arrangement Signed
A major outcome of the meetings was the signing of an Education Cooperation Arrangement between Pakistan and New Zealand.
The agreement is expected to create greater opportunities for collaboration in education and further strengthen institutional links between the two countries.
The Wellington meetings also enabled both sides to assess progress in existing areas of cooperation while identifying fresh opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships. The discussions reinforced Pakistan and New Zealand’s commitment to developing a broader and more forward-looking bilateral relationship.