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After World War Two, New Zealand worked hard to help rebuild the foundations of peace and prosperity in Asia through development assistance and deployment of our defence forces. We built strong and mutually benefi cial relations with countries in the region. Over time we have come to see Asia as a region of great diversity, and increasing dynamism and prosperity. Our political, economic and security interests have become more closely linked to developments in the region, and are involving us in a range of security issues, from North Korea to Timor-Leste.
We now must look to the future and participate actively in the rapid changes taking place in this region. The importance of dialogue, negotiation and collaboration between New Zealand and other countries in the region, both bilaterally and multilaterally, cannot be overstated. That is why New Zealand values its involvement in regional groupings such as the East Asia Summit, which provide opportunities for us to deepen our links. The EAS is a new avenue for us to contribute to community building in this neighbourhood. We must also be cognisant of the dynamic of economic and trade relations, and the need to continue developing formal trading relationships in Asia in order to maintain New Zealand’s place in the market.
I believe that personal contacts between New Zealanders and people from Asia are
just as important as the formal relationships. The linkages are created by many
interactions – from trade and enterprise, to cultural exchange which takes place via
tourism and education, through to young New Zealanders who look fi rst to Asia as
they travel outside New Zealand. Our Future with Asia acknowledges the valuable
contribution that people-to-people links between New Zealand and Asia make in
deepening our understanding of each other.
It is critical that New Zealand remains attuned to, and plays an active role in, the trends and developments in this vibrant region. Our contributions have to be broadly based and sustained over the long term, and they must go well beyond the work of government.
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