NZ Strengthens Southeast Asia Ties as Lao Deputy Prime Minister Visits Wellington

“This visit reflects our long-standing commitment to increased engagement with Southeast Asia and builds on more than 60 years of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Laos,” Mr Peters said.

New Zealand has reinforced its diplomatic and development partnership with Laos during a landmark official visit by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Thongsavan Phomvihane, marking the first high-level visit from the Southeast Asian nation to New Zealand since 2016.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Phomvihane to Wellington, describing the visit as a significant step in deepening bilateral ties at a time when New Zealand is intensifying its engagement across Southeast Asia.

"This visit reflects our long-standing commitment to increased engagement with Southeast Asia and builds on more than 60 years of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Laos," Mr Peters said.

The visit comes amid growing geopolitical and economic focus on the ASEAN region, which is increasingly viewed as strategically vital for New Zealand's trade, regional security, and development partnerships.

New Development Funding to Support Rural Communities

To coincide with the visit, Mr Peters announced new support initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and resilience in rural Laos through New Zealand's Partnering for Impact programme.

The programme will be delivered in partnership with major humanitarian and development organisations including Save the Children New Zealand, World Vision New Zealand, and Christian Blind Mission.

The initiatives are expected to target vulnerable and underserved communities, focusing on:

• Food security and nutrition

• Inclusive economic growth

• Livelihood development

• Community resilience

• Support for people with disabilities

• Long-term rural sustainability

"These partnerships are about practical delivery — improving people's lives, strengthening communities, and supporting long-term resilience," Mr Peters said.

Development experts say rural provinces in Laos continue to face significant economic and infrastructure challenges, particularly in remote areas where poverty rates remain higher than regional averages.

Longstanding Partnership Focused on Recovery and Growth

New Zealand and Laos have maintained diplomatic relations for more than six decades, with cooperation traditionally centred on development assistance, education, and regional collaboration.

One of New Zealand's most significant contributions has been support for unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance in Laos, which remains one of the world's most heavily bombed countries per capita due to conflict during the Vietnam War era.

Large areas of agricultural land in Laos are still affected by unexploded bombs and munitions, limiting farming productivity and posing ongoing risks to communities.

New Zealand has also supported projects aimed at strengthening education systems, promoting inclusive economic participation, and enhancing opportunities for vulnerable populations.

Officials say the latest initiatives signal a continued emphasis on practical, community-level outcomes while strengthening broader diplomatic engagement.

Regional Security and ASEAN Cooperation Discussed

During formal bilateral talks, Mr Peters and Deputy Prime Minister Phomvihane discussed cooperation through regional institutions, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as trade, education, and people-to-people links.

New Zealand has increasingly sought deeper strategic and economic ties with ASEAN member states, viewing the region as critical to Indo-Pacific stability and economic growth.

ASEAN collectively represents one of New Zealand's largest trading partnerships, with two-way trade worth billions of dollars annually across sectors including agriculture, education, tourism, and technology.

Analysts say strengthening ties with smaller Southeast Asian nations such as Laos also reflects New Zealand's broader diplomatic strategy of maintaining a strong and balanced regional presence.

Renewed Momentum in Bilateral Relations

Deputy Prime Minister Phomvihane's visit is being viewed as an important diplomatic milestone after several years of limited high-level engagement between the two countries.

Officials say the visit opens the door for expanded cooperation across development, education, trade, and regional diplomacy.

The Lao Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to depart New Zealand on Friday following official engagements and bilateral meetings.

Observers say the visit underscores New Zealand's intention to remain an active and trusted partner across Southeast Asia as geopolitical competition and regional economic integration continue to intensify.