Wellington: The 5th round of Pakistan-New Zealand Political Consultations and the 3rd round of the Pakistan-New Zealand Joint Trade Committee meetings were held in Wellington, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral engagement between the two countries.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Political Consultations were co-chaired by Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary for the Asia Pacific, Ambassador Dr. Syed Ali Asad Gillani, and Deputy Secretary Grahame Morton of New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The discussions included a comprehensive review of bilateral relations, exploring ways to strengthen cooperation in economic development, science and technology, education, counterterrorism, transnational crime, and people-to-people ties. Ambassador Gillani briefed the New Zealand side on Pakistan’s efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and the regional situation in South Asia, including the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and India’s violations of the Indus Waters Treaty. Deputy Secretary Morton acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role in the Middle East peace process.

At the Joint Trade Committee meeting, discussions focused on enhancing bilateral trade and investment. Emphasis was placed on agriculture, livestock, information technology, education, and services, with both sides deliberating on improving market access and cooperation in sustainable agriculture. This included exploring technical collaboration in wool production and plant protection. Institutional mechanisms to promote economic cooperation were also discussed. A key outcome of the meetings was the signing of the Education Cooperation Arrangement between Pakistan and New Zealand, which aims to significantly deepen collaboration in the education sector.