Zahid Continues Official Visit to New Zealand, Strengthens Bilateral Cooperation through High-Level Engagements

WELLINGTON, July 16 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi continued his official working visit to New Zealand on its third day with a full schedule of high-level meetings aimed at enhancing Malaysia–New Zealand bilateral relations across various sectors.

Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Minister of Rural and Regional Development, began his day early with a meeting at 8am local time (4am Malaysian time) with Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka. Held at the New Zealand Parliament, the discussion focused on indigenous community development, with both leaders exchanging views and exploring potential cooperation in advancing Malaysia’s Orang Asli communities.

Following that, Ahmad Zahid held a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, David Seymour. The engagement concluded with the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI), marking a joint commitment to deepen collaboration in future bilateral initiatives. The signing ceremony took place at the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office at the Beehive building, the heart of New Zealand’s government operations.

In a show of solidarity with the local Muslim community, Ahmad Zahid visited the Kilbirnie Mosque and held a dialogue with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening ties with Muslim communities abroad.

Later in the day, Ahmad Zahid attended an official luncheon hosted by New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters at the Beehive, followed by a keynote address at the Halal Forum. Co-organised by Malaysia’s Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH) and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the forum aimed to bolster halal sector collaboration, particularly in food exports and certification.

The Deputy Prime Minister also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on higher education between Malaysia and New Zealand, which seeks to expand academic opportunities for Malaysian government-sponsored students in New Zealand.

Looking ahead to Thursday (July 17), Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to meet with New Zealand’s Minister of Agriculture, Trade and Investment Todd McClay to discuss trade cooperation. As Chairman of Malaysia’s Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP), he will also visit the National Crisis Management Centre in Wellington to gain insights into New Zealand’s disaster preparedness and emergency response mechanisms.

Later in the day, he is expected to attend a gathering with over 250 Malaysians residing in New Zealand, reflecting the government’s commitment to engaging with its diaspora communities.

Ahmad Zahid’s visit, which began in Auckland with meetings with business leaders and continued in Rotorua with a Maori Business Roundtable session, underscores Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing ties with New Zealand, particularly in indigenous development, education, trade, and religious affairs.

He is scheduled to conclude his working visit and depart for Kuala Lumpur on Friday, July 18.