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Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spent Saturday in a video conference with leaders from several Indo-Pacific countries.
It was part of the 45th Commemorative Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and New Zealand, where leaders discussed the shared challenges facing the region.
The ongoing management of the Covid-19 pandemic was high on the agenda.
As is the importance of working collectively to accelerate economic recovery and explore new opportunities for partners to work more closely on health, economic and security issues.
ANDY JACKSON / Stuff
Ardern said that it is now more important than ever to work together with New Zealand’s ASEAN partners as the world faces the challenges of Covid-19.
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“New Zealand and ASEAN share a strong legacy of working together to promote peace and prosperity in our region. ASEAN is our fourth largest trading partner, a crucial defense and security partner, and a critical strategic hub connecting us to Asia and the rest of the world, ”Ardern said.
“Our partnership will play an important role as our countries work together to support global efforts to manage the pandemic and ensure fair and equitable access to safe vaccines, and drive economic recovery by keeping markets open for our exporters and resilient supply chains. .
ROBERT KITCHEN / Things
Later on Saturday night, Ardern will also digitally attend the East Asia Summit (EAS).
Through a joint statement with the leaders, Ardern reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with ASEAN.
Four themes; peace, prosperity, people and planet, would be used to promote cooperation in areas such as sustainability and climate change, trade facilitation and digital trade.
Later on Saturday night, Ardern was scheduled to digitally attend the East Asia Summit (EAS).
“The meeting will be a good opportunity to exchange views with other leaders on the pandemic and issues such as the South China Sea and climate change,” Ardern said.
