NZ, UK Deepen Strategic Cooperation in 2nd Annual Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue

“The UK is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most important international partnerships,” said Peters, noting the vital role the relationship plays amid today’s rapidly shifting global dynamics.

In a display of enduring diplomacy and shared global values, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper convened in London for the second annual New Zealand–United Kingdom Foreign Ministers' Dialogue. Held against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, the high-level meeting reaffirmed the strength of the NZ–UK partnership and charted a path for deeper bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

An Enduring Partnership Strengthened by Global Headwinds

"The UK is one of New Zealand's oldest and most important international partnerships," said Peters, noting the vital role the relationship plays amid today's rapidly shifting global dynamics.

"In the current adverse strategic environment, the UK–NZ relationship is only becoming more and more important," he added, referencing the range of regional and global pressures—from war in Europe to growing competition in the Indo-Pacific—that demand closer alignment between like-minded democracies.

The talks were wide-ranging and covered critical areas such as:

• Bilateral security and intelligence cooperation

• Strategic economic partnerships and trade resilience

• Joint engagement in the Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions

• A unified stance against Russia's invasion of Ukraine

• Support for the rules-based international order

Both ministers acknowledged the evolving global security environment and the importance of preserving democratic institutions, multilateralism, and international law, particularly in regions like the Indo-Pacific where strategic rivalries are intensifying.

Partnership in the Pacific and Indo-Pacific

Given New Zealand's geographic position and its deep engagement with Pacific Island nations, the dialogue focused extensively on the shared responsibility of NZ and the UK to support stability, sustainable development, and climate resilience in the Pacific.

Since the UK's post-Brexit global realignment and its increased emphasis on the Indo-Pacific—outlined in its Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy—London has sought to reinvigorate ties with traditional allies such as New Zealand and Australia.

Minister Peters stressed the need for practical cooperation in maritime security, disaster preparedness, and countering disinformation in the Pacific.

United in Support of Ukraine

A major focus of the dialogue was the ongoing war in Ukraine, with both countries reaffirming their staunch opposition to Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion.

"This was a valuable opportunity to discuss our shared values, as natural partners in a challenging global environment," Peters said. "New Zealand is committed to working with our like-minded partners to uphold the international rules-based order."

The UK and New Zealand have both provided humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine, and they pledged to maintain coordinated pressure on Moscow while supporting Kyiv's sovereignty and reconstruction.

Invitation to New Zealand and Broader Engagement

At the conclusion of the dialogue, Peters extended a formal invitation to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to visit New Zealand in 2026 for the third annual Foreign Ministers' Dialogue, which is expected to further consolidate shared policy goals and explore new avenues for cooperation.

While in London, Peters also held bilateral meetings with:

• Seema Malhotra, UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

• Priti Patel, Shadow Foreign Secretary and former Home Secretary

• Nigel Farage, Leader of Reform UK and long-time British political figure

These meetings offered an opportunity to engage across the political spectrum, reflecting New Zealand's broad-based diplomatic outreach strategy.

Broader European Mission

Minister Peters' visit to London is part of a broader European diplomatic mission that includes upcoming visits to Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. The tour aims to reinforce New Zealand's presence in Northern Europe, strengthen trade and security links, and advocate for collective responses to global challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, and authoritarian influence.

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With the second NZ–UK Foreign Ministers' Dialogue now concluded, both nations look set to deepen cooperation across foreign policy, security, and economic domains, reaffirming their position as natural allies in an increasingly complex world.