1. Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kim Gunn had a virtual consultation with Senior Official for ASEAN Alison Mann of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand at the latter’s request on the morning of September 7, and discussed issues of mutual interest regarding the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings to be held in a virtual format this week.

 
o Among the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, New Zealand will attend the East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ Meetings.

2. The two sides noted with appreciation that the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings are taking place even amid the COVID-19 situation, and that the foreign ministers of ASEAN and major countries in the region are continuing discussions on strengthening cooperation for regional stability and peace. The two sides also expressed hope that ASEAN-related meetings would serve as a foundation for cooperation on various challenges in the region.

3. The two sides shared their positions on issues of prime concern regarding regional security issues and recent regional developments to be discussed at the EAS and ARF Foreign Ministers’ Meetings which will take place on September 9 and 12, respectively.

o Deputy Minister Kim stressed the importance of the international community’s active collaboration for peace on the Korean Peninsula, and asked for New Zealand’s continued support for the Korean Peninsula peace process.

 
o The two sides agreed on the need for regional collaboration on response to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases as well as economic recovery, and also agreed on the need to seek harmonious cooperation among a range of regional initiatives in the Indo-Pacific. They agreed to continue working together for productive discussions on issues of interest at the EAS and ARF Foreign Ministers’ Meetings.

4. The two sides agreed to broaden the horizons of bilateral cooperation through various regional consultative mechanisms and contribute more actively to regional peace and prosperity. They also agreed to continue close communication and cooperation even under the difficult circumstances, including the COVID-19 outbreak and the resultant economic downturn.