Indonesia seeks to intensify partnership with New Zealand

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono highlighted Indonesia's commitment to further enhancing its comprehensive partnership with New Zealand, including through expanding strategic cooperation and collaboration in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific.

The minister expressed this commitment during a meeting with Ambassador of New Zealand to Indonesia, Philip Taula, in Jakarta on Friday.

On that occasion, the duo discussed follow-up actions for various priorities of bilateral cooperation, including those in the 2025–2029 Action Plan.

Sugiono also underscored Indonesia's readiness to host the 12th Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting with New Zealand in the second half of 2025.

"I hope the 12th JMC meeting can identify various deliverables for the planned visit of New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon to Indonesia," he noted according to a written statement from his ministry.

At the regional level, the minister and the ambassador agreed on the importance of ASEAN centrality and a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Moreover, New Zealand is Indonesia's strategic partner in the Pacific region, which plays an important role in maintaining stability, economic growth, and inclusive regional collaboration.

Sugiono also expressed appreciation for New Zealand's support for Indonesia's endeavors to participate in regional forums in the Pacific, which are based on the principle of mutual respect, including in terms of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"I want to reaffirm that as part of the Pacific family, Indonesia will stay committed to increasing its participation in the region, including through regional forums like the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)," he remarked.

Furthermore, he expressed optimism that Ambassador Taula's extensive experience in Indonesia and the Pacific would help strengthen the strategic bilateral partnership going forward.