Wellington
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters highlighted the crucial role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in maintaining regional peace and stability. Peters, who is visiting Laos this week for ASEAN-led ministerial meetings in Vientiane, noted that next year marks 50 years since New Zealand became an ASEAN dialogue partner. He emphasized that the region is vital for New Zealand’s prosperity and security. During his trip, Peters will also attend the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum meetings, focusing on cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism, transnational crime, and cybersecurity.