On January 14, 2025, during the official visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon to the UAE, he met with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the robust bilateral relationship between the two nations.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to advancing mutual prosperity in areas such as trade, economic cooperation, energy, and sustainability.
The leaders witnessed the signing of the New Zealand-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and an agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments. These agreements aim to boost bilateral trade, which saw an 8% increase in non-oil trade during the first nine months of 2024, reaching over US$642 million. They are expected to unlock new economic opportunities, strengthen supply chains, and enhance market access.
Prime Minister Luxon also highlighted New Zealand's role in supporting food security in the UAE, citing the significant export of dairy, meat, and horticultural products. Both leaders discussed the future of energy cooperation, focusing on renewable energy and climate change efforts, particularly through projects like the UAE-New Zealand funded "LAKARO Phase 2" Solar Energy Project in Fiji.
Additionally, the leaders addressed global issues, including regional security concerns in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, reaffirming their commitment to multilateralism and peace-building efforts.
The visit underscores the deepening ties between the UAE and New Zealand, emphasizing shared values of peace, tolerance, and collaboration on the global stage.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
