WELLINGTON (WAM), 3rd of May 2023 — Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy visited New Zealand between 1st and 2nd May in order to strengthen cooperation between the countries on the economic, cultural, and trade fields.

During her visit, she met Nanaia Mhuta, New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Damien O’Connor as Minister of Commerce, and James Shaw as Minister of Climate Change to discuss ways of enhancing bilateral relations, and developing investment and economic opportunities.

Al Hashemy expressed New Zealand’s hope for a high-level New Zealand participation at the Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is scheduled to take place in Expo City Dubai (November).

Reem al Hashemy met with Jenny Salesa, the Assistant Speaker of New Zealand’s House of Representatives and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade, during the visit to discuss issues of mutual interest, such as the trade and cultural collaboration.

She also met New Zealand businesspeople from the food, sustainability and innovation sectors, to discuss ways of enhancing trade cooperation between New Zealand and the UAE, particularly in light of the UAE signing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) with India, Indonesia Israel and Turkey. She stressed the importance of private sector to enhancing economic co-operation between the UAE ad New Zealand.

Al Hashemy noted that the bilateral cooperation between New Zealand and the UAE includes many vital areas such as agriculture and renewable energy. He also highlighted the UAE’s commitment in strengthening its cooperation with New Zealand across all fields, particularly with regards to companies with expertise and knowledge in technology and innovation.

She expressed her gratitude for the contributions of the New Zealanders in the UAE. This community includes about 3,500 people.

New Zealand officials expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Emirates Airline for the role that it plays in connecting New Zealanders with the rest of the world via its 7 weekly flights.

A dinner banquet was held by Mahutaheld at the end of the trip, in honor of Reem Al-Hashimy and his delegation.