Pakistan and New Zealand have agreed to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, expand cooperation across key sectors and deepen educational links during high-level meetings in Wellington.
The discussions also covered regional and global developments, with New Zealand appreciating Pakistan’s role in promoting peace in the region.
The fifth round of political consultations between Pakistan and New Zealand was held in Wellington, alongside the third meeting of the Joint Trade Committee on August 6.
Pakistan was represented in the political consultations by Additional Foreign Secretary Dr Ali Asad Gilani, while New Zealand’s Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade Graham Morton co-chaired the meeting.
According to the Foreign Office, both sides reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to expand cooperation in economic development, science and technology, education, counter-terrorism and people-to-people contacts.
The two delegations also discussed regional and international developments and agreed to enhance mutual coordination at multilateral forums.
Pakistan raises regional and global issues
During the consultations, Dr Ali Gilani called for efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East.
The Pakistani delegation also briefed the New Zealand side on the situation in the Middle East, occupied Kashmir and what Pakistan described as violations of the Indus Waters Treaty.
New Zealand’s Deputy Secretary Graham Morton appreciated Pakistan’s role in the regional peace process.
The Joint Trade Committee meeting focused on expanding bilateral trade and investment between Pakistan and New Zealand. Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul led the Pakistani delegation, while Graham Morton headed the New Zealand delegation.
The two sides discussed greater cooperation in agriculture, livestock, information technology, education and services, with particular attention to improving market access and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Focus on agriculture and technical cooperation
The delegations also reviewed opportunities for technical cooperation in wool production and plant protection.
Both sides discussed strengthening the institutional mechanism for further expanding economic cooperation and identifying areas where increased collaboration could benefit trade and investment.
The talks were aimed at creating greater opportunities for businesses and strengthening long-term economic ties between the two countries.
Pakistan, New Zealand sign education agreement
Pakistan and New Zealand also signed an agreement on educational cooperation during the meetings.
According to the Foreign Office, the agreement will strengthen mutual cooperation in education and promote closer institutional and educational links between the two countries.
The agreement was described as an important step toward deepening people-to-people connections and expanding cooperation in the education sector.
The latest consultations and trade committee meeting represent an important step toward strengthening Pakistan-New Zealand relations.
With both sides agreeing to enhance trade, investment, education and cooperation across multiple sectors, the meetings provided a framework for expanding bilateral engagement while also improving coordination on regional and international issues.
