UAE and New Zealand agree to strengthen bilateral cooperation

The second session of the Political Consultation Committee between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand, took place in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

The meeting was co-chaired by Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Foreign Minister of Political Affairs, on behalf of the UAE, and His Excellency Taha Macpherson, Acting Deputy Secretary for the Europe, Middle East and Africa and Australia Group, on behalf of New Zealand.

H.E. Nusseibeh welcomed the remarkable progress in bilateral cooperation across a broad range of issues, including trade, investments, and particularly the field of clean technology and renewable energy.  Pointing to more than 50% annual growth rate in non-oil trade since 2019, she also outlined the tremendous benefits that both countries could expect after the conclusion of the ongoing negotiations of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

During their talks, the two sides also explored opportunities to deepen the bilateral relations through joint efforts in fields like climate change, defense, and multilateral cooperation.
Furthermore, the UAE and New Zealand discussed current regional and global developments, especially the war in the Gaza Strip, and ways in which joint diplomatic efforts can ultimately lead to an immediate ceasefire, and a comprehensive plan to implement the two-state solution.