New Zealand reaffirms commitment to ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific

A screenshot of Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (right) and New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta (left) at a virtual press briefing following a bilateral meeting in Jakarta on November 15. (Photo: ANTARA)

Jakarta (VNA) – As a dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), New Zealand reaffirmed its commitment towards the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and realising peace and stability in the region.

New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Ministers Nanaia Mahuta made the statement following the talks with her Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi on November 16.

"Indo-Pacific is a region that is open for trade and investment, an inclusive region, a region with sovereignty that is respected by all countries, big and small, a region that strives for peace and stability. I reaffirm New Zealand's commitment to the Indo-Pacific and ASEAN as its center, with a region that is based on the law, including UNCLOS," Mahuta was quoted by Antara news agency as saying.

Aside from bilateral cooperation in health, energy, and economy, the two ministers also discussed regional issues, including the situation in Myanmar and Afghanistan during their talks.

Regarding the COVID-19 combat, they affirmed the significance of ensuring fair access to vaccines for all countries to soon contain the pandemic./.

VNA