Judith Collins to represent New Zealand at ASEAN Defence Ministers’ forum
Defence Minister Judith Collins has embarked on an official visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). The gathering brings together defence leaders from across the Indo-Pacific to deliberate on pressing regional security challenges and promote cooperative engagement among partner nations.
New Zealand marks milestone in ASEAN partnership
This year holds special significance for New Zealand–ASEAN relations. It celebrates 50 years of dialogue partnership and 15 years since the first ADMM-Plus forum was held in Hanoi, Vietnam. These milestones underscore New Zealand’s enduring commitment to regional cooperation, peace, and mutual understanding.
Minister Collins highlighted that in an increasingly tense global environment, direct discussions with regional counterparts have become crucial. She noted that the forum serves as a vital opportunity to share New Zealand’s defence outlook, strengthen strategic relationships, and contribute to maintaining regional stability.
Engagement and bilateral defence talks
During her visit, the Minister will also conduct a series of bilateral meetings with fellow Defence Ministers to deepen ties and discuss collaborative security priorities. These engagements are expected to enhance defence cooperation and improve understanding among partner nations in the Indo-Pacific.
Collins reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to a rules-based international order and an open trading environment. As she explained, “Being a small trading nation, New Zealand’s prosperity relies on stability, collective security, and fair trade frameworks.”
Strengthening security in the Indo-Pacific
The ADMM-Plus serves as a platform for 18 nations—including ASEAN members and key dialogue partners such as Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States—to address shared concerns ranging from maritime security and disaster relief to cybersecurity and counterterrorism.
By taking part in these discussions, New Zealand aims to contribute constructively to the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. The country continues to invest in its defence capabilities while maintaining a proactive role in fostering cooperation through multilateral engagements.
Commitment to global and regional stability
Minister Collins’ participation in the ADMM-Plus reinforces New Zealand’s position as a trusted and responsible partner in the region. The government continues to align its defence strategies with broader foreign policy goals, focusing on maintaining peace, protecting trade routes, and addressing emerging security risks.
The Defence Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that regional partnerships are essential for tackling complex security issues that no single nation can manage alone. Her engagement at the forum represents a continuation of New Zealand’s steady commitment to promoting shared values and collective resilience.
Overview of ASEAN and partners
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) includes 11 member countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam. Dialogue partners in the ADMM-Plus framework are Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States.
Return schedule
Minister Judith Collins is scheduled to return to New Zealand on 3 November after completing her engagements in Malaysia. Her visit underscores New Zealand’s long-term vision of contributing actively to the peace, security, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
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