Auckland: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived here today to begin his five-day working visit to New Zealand. Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, landed at the Auckland International Airport at around 11.30 am local time (7.30 am Malaysian time). He was welcomed by Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Americas and Asia Group Deputy Secretary Grahame Morton. Also present was MFAT South and Southeast Asia Divisional Manager Joanna Kempkers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid shared on Facebook that the visit is part of Malaysia’s strategic efforts to strengthen its long-standing ties with New Zealand, which were established in 1957. He emphasized the shared commitment of both nations to continue high-level engagements and cooperation. He expressed his hopes that the visit would further enhance diplomatic relations, broaden strategic collaboration across various sectors, and promote Malaysia’s national interest on the global stage.
During the visit, Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to meet with several key figures, including Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, Foreign Minister Winston Peters, Maori Development Minister Tama Potaka, and Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay. As the chairman of the Halal Industry Development Council, Ahmad Zahid is also slated to participate in a Halal Forum organized by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries and will engage with local industry and business leaders.
In addition, he is expected to witness the signing of cooperation documents between both countries in the field of higher education. Other programs include a visit to the National Crisis Management Centre, a roundtable session with the Maori community in Rotorua, and a gathering with approximately 250 Malaysians residing in New Zealand. The last official visit to New Zealand by a Malaysian top leader was in March 2005 by the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was then Prime Minister.