Philippines, New Zealand Strengthen Economic Collaboration and Discuss Regional Security at the 7th Foreign Ministry Consultations

Acting Assistant Secretary Aileen S. Mendiola-Rau (right-side, fourth from foreground) of the Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs headed the Philippine Delegation to the 7th Philippines-New Zealand Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) hosted by New Zealand in Wellington on 23 June 2023. Seated across is Mr. Mark Talbot, Divisional Manager for South and Southeast Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (left-side, second from foreground) with the New Zealand Delegation.

WELLINGTON, 05 July 2023 — The Philippines and New Zealand convened the 7th Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) on 23 June 2023 in Wellington, co-chaired by Foreign Affairs Acting Assistant Secretary for Asia and Pacific Affairs Aileen S. Mendiola-Rau and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Divisional Manager for South and South East Asia Division Mark Talbot.

Discussions centered on recent high-level engagements; defense and security cooperation; economic collaboration, emphasizing trade, investment, and joint ventures in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, government innovation; and development cooperation.

The delegations reinforced the commitment of the two sides to foster deeper understanding and strengthen ties between the two countries through cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, and people-to-people initiatives.

Also discussed were regional security issues, particularly on the recent developments in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea, Myanmar, and the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Both sides emphasized the importance of cooperation, information sharing, and capacity building to address emerging challenges, including non-traditional security threats, maritime security, and counterterrorism efforts.

The consultations concluded with a shared commitment to deepen the bilateral relationship, harness economic growth opportunities, promote sustainable development, and enhance regional security.

Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand H.E. Kira Christianne Danganan-Azucena was also present in the meeting.

The FMC is a biennial bilateral mechanism at the working level that allows both sides to review, assess and chart ways forward for the bilateral relationship, particularly on issues of mutual interest. The 6th FMC was held virtually in November 2021.

The next FMC will be hosted by the Philippines in 2025. END

Mr. Mark Talbot receives a small token of appreciation from Acting Assistant Secretary Aileen S. Mendiola-Rau.