New Delhi: India and New Zealand on Wednesday decided to further bolster political, defence and security cooperation underlining the need of ensuring the safety of sea lanes and freedom of navigation.
They also called for eliminating terrorist safe havens and infrastructure, disrupting terrorist networks and their financing, and stopping cross-border terrorism.
A joint statement issued after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting New Zealand counterpart John Key noted that India and New Zealand were both maritime nations with a strong interest in the Asia-Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions being stable and prosperous.
“Accordingly, the two Prime Ministers agreed to further strengthen the political, defence and security relationship enjoyed by India and New Zealand,” the joint statement said.
The two countries would establish Bilateral Ministerial Dialogue through annual meetings, either in India, New Zealand or on the margins of regional or global gatherings, in addition to holding annual Foreign Ministry Consultations at the senior officials level.
They would also promote cooperation and dialogue between the two countries on cyber issues, it said. Both sides called for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that would contribute to the further strengthening of the international counter-terrorism legal framework.
New Zealand reiterated its support for India’s membership in a reformed UN Security Council, including in any expansion of permanent membership. New Zealand also said it would give careful, positive consideration to India’s candidature as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 2021-22.
It also welcomed India’s entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime, which would strengthen global non-proliferation objectives.
The joint statement said, “Prime Minister Key stated that New Zealand would continue to contribute to the process currently underway in the NSG to consider India’s membership. New Zealand is committed to working with NSG members to reach a decision as soon as possible.”
India reiterated its commitment to the total elimination of all weapons of mass destruction including in particular nuclear weapons. ‘
‘Pending the global elimination of nuclear weapons, India will uphold global non-proliferation and work with partners such as New Zealand to advance nuclear disarmament,” the joint statement said. (UNI)
