ASEAN-New Zealand's four-decade long relationship: Nyunt Maung Shein notes New Zealand's improved relations with Myanmar and proposals to upgrade its ties with ASEAN to a strategic partnership.

• Author: Shein, Nyunt Maung

New Zealand has had a long and fruitful relationship with ASEAN. Its ties with Myanmar were limited until recently, for it consistently supported UN-mandated sanctions against Myanmar and hesitated to engage. But relations have warmed more recently, reflected in a series of high-level visits to both countries. This development stands alongside New Zealand's efforts to achieve closer ties with ASEAN. Earlier this year it proposed upgrading the existing comprehensive partnership into a strategic partnership. This idea was discussed at the 22nd ASEAN-New Zealand dialogue in Auckland and efforts are now in train to create a plan of action to achieve this goal.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand dialogue relations. The Post-Ministerial Conference plus one session with New Zealand in Nay Pyi Taw last year welcomed New Zealand's commitment to deliver high-level initiatives and programmes as part of the commemorative summit, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur in November 2015. New Zealand has been one of the earliest dialogue partners of ASEAN, beginning its relations with ASEAN in 1975. Apart from this longstanding relationship with ASEAN, New Zealand has also participated in the ASEAN Regional Forum since 1994 as a founding member and in the East Asia Summit in 2005 as well as in the ADMM+ in 2010. ASEAN--New Zealand relations have always been complementary, with New Zealand playing a constructive role and in ASEAN-centred forums New Zealand follows the ASEAN lead.

New Zealand has provided financial support for technical training and capacity-building for students for a long time. In July 2010, the ASEAN--New Zealand Joint Declaration on Partnership for 2010-15 and the Plan of Action to implement it were launched. In fact, this initiative aims to enhance the ASEAN-New Zealand partnership to assist ASEAN in achieving the ASEAN Community. The plan of action includes assistance for the ASEAN integration initiative to narrow the development gap among member states.

Improved relations

However, when it comes to bilateral relations with Myanmar, New Zealand consistently supported UN-mandated sanctions against Myanmar. Myanmar became the co-co-ordinator for the dialogue with New Zealand for the years 2007-09. As New Zealand was reluctant to hold meetings with Myanmar, no progress was made at that time. However, following the reforms Myanmar President U Thein Sein has undertaken in the political, economic and social arenas since...