Source Credit: Arab News
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 24, 2025- Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters.
According to the press agency, The two officials reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen and develop cooperation between Saudi Arabia and New Zealand. International and regional topics of shared interest were also discussed.
New Zealand has imposed sanctions on 52 individuals and entities linked to Russia’s military and energy industries, as well as North Korean support, according to the source.
During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters strongly condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, calling the ongoing conflict an “illegal war” and dismissing Russia’s stance on NATO and Ukraine as “irrelevant at this point in time.”
Peters also reaffirmed New Zealand’s support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the need for a lasting resolution.
His visit to Saudi Arabia was primarily to participate in the Founding Day celebrations and to observe the progress of Vision 2030. He praised the Kingdom’s rapid economic and social advancements.
The minister highlighted a recent free trade agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which was finalized in October 2024 and is expected to be signed soon.
On cultural ties, Peters acknowledged a significant drop in the number of Saudi students studying in New Zealand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that efforts are underway to restore student numbers.
He also noted Saudi Arabia’s rich equestrian heritage after attending the Saudi Cup, where New Zealand’s James McDonald competed.
The meeting aimed to enhance cooperation between the two countries and address key global and regional matters of shared concern.
Muhanna Aba Al-Khail, the Saudi ambassador to New Zealand, attended the meeting.
