AUCKLAND, July 14 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived today to begin his five-day working visit to New Zealand.
He touched down at the Auckland International Airport at about 11.30 am local time (7.30 am Malaysian time) and was received by Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Americas and Asia Group Deputy Secretary Grahame Morton.
Also present was MFAT South and Southeast Asia Divisional Manager Joanna Kempkers.
Zahid described the visit as part of Malaysia’s ongoing strategic efforts to strengthen its long-standing ties with New Zealand, which were established in 1957.
It also reflects the shared commitment of both nations to continue high-level engagements and cooperation.
“I hope this visit will further strengthen our diplomatic relations, broaden strategic collaboration across various sectors and promote Malaysia’s national interest on the global stage.
“Insya-Allah, may this mission bring benefits to the people and the country,” he said in a Facebook post.
During the visit, Zahid is scheduled to meet with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, Foreign Minister Winston Peters, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka, as well as Agriculture, Trade, and Investment Minister Todd McClay.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the Halal Industry Development Council chairman, is slated to participate in a Halal Forum organised by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries and engagement sessions with local industry and business leaders.
He is also expected to witness the signing of cooperation documents between both countries in the field of higher education.
Other programmes lined up include a visit to the National Crisis Management Centre, a roundtable session with the Māori community in Rotorua, and a gathering with approximately 250 Malaysians residing in New Zealand.
The last official visit to New Zealand by a Malaysian top leader was in March 2005 by the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was then prime minister.
— Bernama
