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Although we have tried to use plain English content on the site, you may come across specialist terms and acronyms. Find out what they mean in our glossary of terms.
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'Our Future with Asia' hard copy versions available upon request to enquiries@mfat.govt.nz
Our Future with Asia sets out a framework for New Zealand to enhance its relationships in the Asian region. New Zealand has long recognised Asia’s importance to our security and prosperity. As a nation we have worked at many levels over the past half century to strengthen our ties with the region. The countries of Asia today are undergoing rapid and fundamental changes. We have much to learn from these changes. If we can keep pace, many new opportunities will open to us.
Our Future with Asia builds on the groundwork laid by Seriously Asia, a project we launched in 2003 with a major forum in Wellington, intended as a catalyst to revitalise New Zealanders’ focus on Asia.
Our Future with Asia involves the Government and business, local communities, educational institutions and others in a collective effort, both in New Zealand and offshore, better to link New Zealand to the growth of this region. New Zealand already has many close and long-standing relationships in the region.
We were very pleased to be drawn even closer when New Zealand was invited, along with Australia and India, to join countries of Southeast and Northeast Asia in the East Asia Summit in 2005. New Zealand has since become an active participant in the EAS.
Besides positioning ourselves to take up the opportunities offered by progress in Asia, we must also continue to contribute to the development of the region. I see our relationships very much as a two-way process, building understanding of Asia in New Zealand while also underlining the relevance of New Zealand to its key partners in the region.
Strengthening our ties with Asia will involve a long-term, sustained commitment where future generations also have a contribution to make. A Maori elder aptly described this effort as “e kimi ana i nga- ka- wai i toro ki tawhiti”, which translated means “seeking the shoots that stretch far”.
Our objective must be to nurture and deepen our Asia relationships so that New Zealand can play an active role in the growth and prosperity of the Asian region.
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