KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 — Malaysia and New Zealand are a powerful demonstration of how small states can work together bilaterally, regionally and globally, in dealing more effectively with the current global and regional geopolitical challenges, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said.
Both countries served together on the United Nations (UN) Security Council in 2015 – 2016 and worked closely in another area, disarmament and arms control.
“We also cooperate on international law issues, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Last year New Zealand joined others in setting out our legal position on the South China Sea, in support of Malaysia’s stance,” she said during the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations’s (IDFR) Lecture Series titled “Foreign Policy for Small States” here, Tuesday.
The lecture was held in conjunction with Malaysia and New Zealand’s 65 years of diplomatic relations.
In economy, besides the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), both countries are also part of the Asean-New Zealand FTA, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, as well as the new Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.
Trade is more than a vehicle for economic growth as it is a bridge-builder, and creates shared interests, obligations, and benefits, Mahuta said.
Citing the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), she recalled that the idea for the pact was mooted by three nations — New Zealand, Singapore and Chile, while Brunei joined after it was clear that the big powers could not agree on how to establish a regional trade agreement.
“That is the value that small states can bring – curiosity, good ideas, adaptability and a willingness to take calculated risks. When we harness our core strengths and work collectively as constructive and principled actors on the international stage, we can — and do — have an impact,” Mahuta said.
Meanwhile, on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, she said New Zealand will intervene as a third party in Ukraine’s case in the International Court of Justice.
“The implications of the war are felt far from Europe, including here in the Indo-Pacific. The war showed that when large countries disregard sovereignty and territorial integrity with a sense of impunity, it does not bode well, particularly for small countries.
“In response to increasing tensions or risks in the region — be they in the Pacific, the South China Sea, or the Taiwan Strait — New Zealand’s position remains consistent — we call for adherence to international rules and norms; for diplomacy, de-escalation and dialogue – rather than threats, force and coercion,” Mahuta said.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister was on a four-day official visit to Malaysia from Saturday, her first visit here since assuming the Foreign Minister post in November 2020.
While in Malaysia, Mahuta also held separate meetings with Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah and Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, speaking engagements at Malaysia-New Zealand Business Council, as well as meeting Orang Asli youth leaders at an event to mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.
— Bernama
