Telling the story of ASEAN-New Zealand cooperation journey

Delegates take a group photo.

On the morning of May 8, the photo exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Partnership officially opened at the ASEAN Secretariat headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The exhibition features 13 representative photos with the theme “Titiro whakamuri, kōkiri whakamua” - a Māori proverb meaning “Look back at the past to move forward into the future”.

The photos vividly depict the development journey of ASEAN-New Zealand relations since their establishment in 1975 as well as the depth of cooperation across four key pillars: Peace, Prosperity, People and Planet.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, New Zealand Ambassador to ASEAN Joanna Anderson emphasized that the exhibition is an opportunity to honor the long-standing friendship and proud achievements that the two sides have built together.

Ms. Joanna Anderson affirmed that while looking back at past achievements, the exhibition also demonstrates the determination of both ASEAN and New Zealand in bringing the relationship to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership in this meaningful year.

Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong spoke at the event.

Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to ASEAN - the coordinator of ASEAN-New Zealand relations, shared: "The photos at the exhibition tell the story of the cooperation journey between ASEAN and New Zealand, from the early days when the photos were still black and white, to the colorful images today, clearly showing the strong and comprehensive development of this relationship."

The Head of the Vietnamese Delegation emphasized that ASEAN countries are ready to embark on a new journey with New Zealand and look forward to elevating this heritage partnership this year.

The exhibition displays 13 typical photos, vividly depicting the development journey of ASEAN-New Zealand relations since their establishment.

Speaking at the event, ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn highly appreciated New Zealand's role as a reliable partner, actively contributing to the process of building the ASEAN Community and strengthening ASEAN's central role in the region.

A unique cultural highlight at the opening ceremony was the performance of Waiata - a traditional Māori song - by staff from the New Zealand Mission and Embassy.

The exhibition will be open until May 16, at the main hall of the ASEAN Secretariat.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ke-lai-cau-chuyen-ve-hanh-trinh-hop-tac-asean-new-zealand-313756.html