Pakistan, New Zealand Strengthen Bilateral Ties, Sign Education Cooperation Arrangement
WELLINGTON: (News Pulse) Pakistan and New Zealand have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, education, science and technology, agriculture, security and other areas of mutual interest during high-level political and economic consultations in Wellington.
According to Foreign Affairs that the 5th round of Pakistan–New Zealand Political Consultations and the 3rd meeting of the Pakistan–New Zealand Joint Trade Committee (JTC) were held on August 6, 2026, marking another step toward expanding relations between the two countries.
The Political Consultations were co-chaired by Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary for Asia Pacific, Ambassador Dr Syed Ali Asad Gillani, and New Zealand’s Deputy Secretary of the Americas and Asia Group at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Grahame Morton.
During the talks, both sides reviewed the progress of bilateral relations and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in a wide range of sectors, including high-level exchanges, economic development, science and technology, education, counterterrorism, transnational crime and people-to-people contacts.
The two delegations also exchanged views on regional and international developments and agreed to enhance coordination at multilateral forums.
Ambassador Gillani briefed the New Zealand side on Pakistan’s efforts to promote de-escalation in the Middle East. He also highlighted developments in South Asia, including the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and India’s continued violations of the Indus Waters Treaty.
New Zealand’s Deputy Secretary Grahame Morton acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role in efforts aimed at promoting peace in the Middle East.
Pakistan-New Zealand Joint Trade Committee Meeting
Separately, the 3rd round of the Pakistan–New Zealand Joint Trade Committee meeting was held in Wellington on the same day.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul Khawaja, while the New Zealand delegation was headed by Grahame Morton.
The JTC discussions focused on increasing bilateral trade and investment, with particular attention to agriculture, livestock, information technology, education and services.
Both sides discussed measures to improve market access and expand cooperation in sustainable agriculture. Technical collaboration in areas including wool production and plant protection was also explored.
The delegations further discussed institutional mechanisms aimed at promoting long-term economic cooperation between Pakistan and New Zealand.
Pakistan, New Zealand Sign Education Cooperation Arrangement
A key outcome of the meetings was the signing of an Education Cooperation Arrangement between Pakistan and New Zealand.
The agreement is expected to provide a framework for deeper collaboration in the education sector and create opportunities for stronger institutional and academic cooperation between the two countries.
The meetings provided an opportunity for Pakistan and New Zealand to assess progress in bilateral relations, identify new areas of cooperation and reaffirm their commitment to a forward-looking and mutually beneficial partnership.
