Philippines, New Zealand Convene Foreign Ministry Consultations-Virtual Intersessional Meeting

 Top photo: PH Delegation led by DFA Assistant Secretary Aileen S. Mendiola-Rau
Bottom photo: NZ delegation led by MFAT Divisional Manager Joanna Kempker, 02 October 2024.

MANILA 11 October 2024 – The Philippines and New Zealand convened the Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC)-Intersessional Meeting via virtual platform on 02 October 2024. The meeting was co-chaired by Hon. Aileen S. Mendiola-Rau, Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Hon. Joanna Kempkers, Divisional Manager of the South and South-East Asia Division at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). 

During the consultations, both parties reaffirmed their leaders’ commitment to establishing a comprehensive partnership between the Philippines and New Zealand by 2026, coinciding with the celebration of 60 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. They explored strategies to advance this partnership, focusing on key areas of cooperation, including defense, security, maritime collaboration, trade, economic engagement, and enhancing people-to-people ties. Both sides agreed to finalize a roadmap in preparation for the elevation of relations to comprehensive partnership.

The meeting was also attended by Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Kira Christianne D. Azucena, along with other officials from both the Philippine DFA and the New Zealand MFAT. The inaugural Vice-Ministerial FMC will take place in the Philippines in 2025.  END