United States is investing in strengthening its relationship with New Zealand
Sharing the same values and interests, and common vision for a prosperous, stable, and secure Asia-Pacific, the United States of America today said it is strengthening its relationship with New Zealand.
In his remarks at the 2013 U.S.-New Zealand Pacific Partnership Forum in Washington DC, Deputy Secretaraty of State William J. Burns says the United States is investing in strengthening its relationship with New Zealand during a time of global economic crisis, a Middle East in tumult, looming nuclear dangers, accelerating climate change, and international terrorism.
“There is no more dynamic and consequential part of the world today – and in the decades ahead – for America’s interests, and for the shape of the global system, than the Asia-Pacific.” – Mr. Burns
He cites that as Secretary Kerry emphasized in Tokyo last month, as a Pacific nation in the midst of a Pacific century, the United States will continue to build on its active and enduring presence in Asia.
Both countries are pursuing engagement along three tracks broadening and deepening their bilateral cooperation with treaty allies, enhancing partnerships with new and emerging players, and playing a more active role in the development of regional multilateral institutions.
US-New Zealand partnership is a critical element of our rebalance to the region.
According to Mr. Burns, US with New Zealand and the work both countries do together is a critical element of our rebalance to the region.
He says since 2006, the Pacific Partnership Forum has been a vital source of ideas and energy behind the development of our bilateral relationship.
The Department of State hosts the third U.S.-New Zealand Strategic Dialogue this week.
He says the wide range of issues on the agenda is a product of long and rich history of cooperation, shared values, and many overlapping interests between the two countries.
US and New Zealand collaborate in peacekeeping efforts
According to Mr. Burns, the two countries work together to maintain peace in the Asia-Pacific and around the world.
He indicates that in Afghanistan, New Zealand has made enormous contributions and sacrifices.
“And as the Afghans stand up, we are pleased that New Zealand will join us in making sure they do not stand alone.” – Mr. Burns
In addition, from Timor Leste to the Sinai and the Solomon Islands, New Zealand plays a significant role in peacekeeping operations.
And both countries continue to benefit from the insights and contributions on a range of 21st century transnational threats.
On economic arena
Both countries work together to boost the region’s economic dynamism and support growth-oriented, job-creating trade and investment policies.
New Zealand has been a driving force behind the centerpiece of this effort called the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
“We thank New Zealand for its steady leadership on this and other trade issues.” – Mr. Burns
In addition, both countries work together to build an institutional architecture that will make the most of their interdependence.
Mr. Burns points out that strengthening ASEAN, the ASEAN Regional Forum, the East Asia Summit, APEC, and the Pacific Islands Forum is crucial to ensuring that the Asia-Pacific has cooperative mechanisms in place to address the challenges facing the region from maritime security to nonproliferation and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
On protecting environment and promoting clean energy
Both countries also work together on joint endeavors to protect the environment and promote clean and sustainable energy.
One example is the joint proposal to establish the world’s largest Marine Protected Area in Antarctica’s Ross Sea for both countries.
Together, the two countries hope to secure the necessary regional support for this proposal to be approved this July as well.
Working together to deepen the ties
Mr. Burns says one-hundred and seventy-five years after the United States was the first country to open a consulate in New Zealand, and more than seven decades after we fought together during the Second World War, the bonds between their and cultures are stronger than ever.
This year, both countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of our Fulbright relationship with New Zealand.
The alumni of Fulbright New Zealand, one of the world’s oldest continuous programs, have gone on to remarkable careers in politics, law, business, and the arts, he said.
Leading minds from American and New Zealand universities are working closely together in important areas of scientific research including geothermal energy, food innovation, and electric smart grid technologies, he added.
“And there are 1,200 New Zealand students currently studying in the U.S. and more than 3,000 American students studying in New Zealand that is nearly eight American students per golf course!” – Mr. Burns
US and New Zealand share common ancestry and history for both been British colonies. In addition, both countries have also been part of a Western alliance of states in some wars.
