Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasised the vital role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in maintaining a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific during the annual East Asia Summit (EAS) in Laos this week.
In his first participation at the summit Luxon addressed regional security issues and trade expansion, stressing the importance of stability for economic prosperity.
Luxon announced that New Zealand will host an ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Leaders’ Summit in Malaysia in November 2025, marking 50 years of dialogue relations between New Zealand and ASEAN.
He also held bilateral talks with leaders from Cambodia, India, the Philippines, Viet Nam, and Thailand, deepening ties and discussing mutual interests.
Luxon also had a discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and was given an invitation to visit India early in 2025 to further strengthen ties between the two countries.
