UAE and New Zealand Deepen Ties with Key Trade and Sustainability Agreements

UAE, 27 January, 2025 : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and New Zealand reaffirmed their strong bilateral relationship during the official visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Rt. Hon Christopher Luxon to the UAE on January 14, 2025. Meeting with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the leaders marked 40 years of diplomatic relations and discussed trade, economic growth, sustainability, and global peace.

Key agreements were signed, including the UAE-New Zealand Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and an investment protection agreement. Non-oil trade between the two nations reached over $642 million in the first nine months of 2024, an 8% year-on-year increase. The leaders emphasized the CEPA’s potential to further enhance trade, strengthen supply chains, and boost economic opportunities.

The UAE’s role as a global logistics hub was highlighted, with New Zealand exports in dairy, meat, and horticulture valued at NZ$804 million supporting UAE food security goals. Discussions also covered UAE investments in New Zealand’s infrastructure and renewable energy.

The leaders celebrated people-to-people ties, facilitated by mutual visa waivers and daily flights. Over 4,000 New Zealanders reside in the UAE, and plans were announced to enable UAE passport holders to use eGates in New Zealand by 2025.

On sustainability, the leaders commended joint renewable energy initiatives, including the LAKARO Phase 2 Solar Energy Project in Fiji, under the UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund. They also emphasized their commitment to climate action and advancing renewable energy capacity.

Addressing global issues, the leaders called for peace in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, urging dialogue and adherence to international law. They also stressed the importance of multilateralism and resolving disputes through diplomacy.

The visit reinforced the UAE and New Zealand's commitment to a robust partnership, fostering mutual prosperity, tolerance, and regional stability.