Pakistan and New Zealand have agreed to expand cooperation in agriculture, education, trade and investment following a series of bilateral meetings in Wellington, the Foreign Office said on Thursday.
The third Pakistan-New Zealand Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting and the fifth round of Political Consultations were held in Wellington, with both sides reviewing bilateral relations and identifying areas for greater cooperation.
A key outcome was the signing of an Education Cooperation Arrangement, which the Foreign Office said would further strengthen collaboration between the two countries in the education sector.
During the JTC meeting, the two sides discussed improving market access and expanding cooperation in sustainable agriculture, including technical collaboration in wool production and plant protection. They also explored ways to increase bilateral trade and investment, particularly in technology, education and services.
Pakistan’s Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul Khawaja led the Pakistani delegation at the JTC meeting, while New Zealand’s Deputy Secretary for the Americas and Asia Group, Grahame Morton, headed the New Zealand side.
The political consultations included a comprehensive review of bilateral ties, along with discussions on regional and international developments. Both sides agreed to improve coordination at multilateral forums.
Additional Foreign Secretary for Asia Pacific Ambassador Dr Syed Ali Asad Gillani co-chaired the consultations for Pakistan, while Morton led the New Zealand delegation.
The two countries also discussed cooperation in economic development, science and technology, education, counterterrorism, transnational crime, high-level exchanges and people-to-people contacts.
Gillani briefed the New Zealand delegation on Pakistan’s efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East, including its diplomatic efforts to help resolve the Strait of Hormuz standoff. Morton acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role in regional peace efforts.
The Pakistani delegation also raised issues concerning South Asia, including the situation in India-occupied Kashmir and India’s continued suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
The Foreign Office said the meetings provided an opportunity to review progress in bilateral relations, identify new areas of partnership and reaffirm both countries’ commitment to a mutually beneficial relationship.
Pakistan and New Zealand maintain cordial relations and are both members of the Commonwealth.
