Pakistan, New Zealand hold political consultations & JTC meetings

Islamabad (Web Desk): The 5th round of Pakistan–New Zealand Political Consultations and the 3rd meeting of the Pakistan–New Zealand Joint Trade Committee (JTC) were held in Wellington, marking an important development in strengthening relations between the two countries.

The Political Consultations were jointly chaired by Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary for Asia Pacific, Ambassador Dr Syed Ali Asad Gillani, and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Deputy Secretary for the Americas and Asia Group, Grahame Morton.

During the discussions, both sides reviewed the progress of bilateral relations and explored ways to expand cooperation in several areas of mutual interest, including diplomatic exchanges, economic growth, science and technology, education, counterterrorism, combating transnational crime, and people-to-people contacts.

Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani briefed the New Zealand delegation on Pakistan’s efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East and highlighted regional developments in South Asia, including the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and concerns regarding India’s actions related to the Indus Waters Treaty.

Grahame Morton acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role in supporting peace efforts in the Middle East.

During the Joint Trade Committee meeting, both countries discussed measures to increase bilateral trade and investment, with a focus on agriculture, livestock, information technology, education, and services.

The two sides also considered improving market access and expanding cooperation in sustainable agriculture, including technical collaboration in wool production and plant protection.

The meetings also explored institutional frameworks to further strengthen economic ties between Pakistan and New Zealand.

A major outcome of the discussions was the signing of an Education Cooperation Arrangement between the two countries, which is expected to enhance collaboration and partnerships in the education sector.