PH Joins ASEAN and New Zealand in Virtual Dialogue to Deepen ASEAN-New Zealand Strategic Partnership 

DFA Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs and ASEAN-Philippines Director-General Daniel R. Espiritu (second to the left, top) heads the Philippine Delegation in the 29th ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue with ASEAN Officials, the ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Political-Security Community Mr. Robert Michael Matheus Tene, and New Zealand SOM Leader to ASEAN, H.E. Mark Sinclair. (DFA-ASEAN photo)

PASAY CITY 11 April 2022 – DFA Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Daniel R. Espiritu represented the Philippines and led the discussion on regional and international security issues during the 29th ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue held via video conference on 07 April 2022. Assistant Secretary Espiritu reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to enhance capacities in addressing issues, such as post-pandemic recovery, disaster risk reduction and management, as well as combating terrorism and violent extremism.

“ASEAN and New Zealand cooperation on various political-security issues persists notwithstanding multifold international security issues in which both continue to advocate for peaceful solutions,” Assistant Secretary Espiritu remarked. 

“The Philippines is of the view that the South China Sea is a strategic waterway where a significant volume of global trade transits daily and a source of food and livelihood for the massive population of many of its littoral states,” Assistant Secretary Espiritu stated as he calls for greater cooperation with its Dialogue Partners like New Zealand, to continuously enhance maritime cooperation, uphold international law, freedom of navigation and overflight, and promote the sustainable development of maritime resources, especially in the South China Sea. 

Assistant Secretary Espiritu also reiterated the Philippines’ strong appeal for the protection of civilians, who have been massively impacted by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis, as well as the preservation of civilian infrastructures.

Other matters discussed were closer economic cooperation through the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), cooperation in human resource development, Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) and digital education.

The ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue is an annual meeting between the Senior Officials of ASEAN and New Zealand that provides an opportunity to discuss ways to strengthen their strategic partnership. This is the second Dialogue between senior officials held virtually due to the pandemic. END 

DFA Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs and ASEAN-Philippines Director-General Daniel R. Espiritu leads the discussions on Regional and International Security Issues. (DFA-ASEAN photo)