India seeks partnership with New Zealand: Pranab Mukherjee

India has called for promoting security, stability and prosperity in Asia-Pacific region. It also asked New Zealand to be its partner in this direction as the two countries have shared stakes in a peaceful, cooperative and prosperous region. Addressing students and faculty members of Auckland University of Technology today, President Pranab Mukherjee said, the two nations have a shared interest in keeping maritime lanes open in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean Region and convergence of foreign policy positions on various regional and global issues. He said, India values co-operation with New Zealand at the United Nations and other multilateral fora and appreciated its support for India’s permanent membership in UN Security Council. 

Mr. Mukherjee said, New Zealand has a stable and internationally competitive economy and its growth rate has been the most impressive amongst the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD economies. He said, there is



enormous potential in the expansion of economic bilateral partnership. Referring to India's economic success, the President pointed out that there are many sectors where it has liberalized the regulations to encourage investment inflows and it welcomes foreign participation. 

Mr. Mukherjee said, there is promising potential of a closer interaction between academic institutions in India and New Zealand with special focus areas in joint research, faculty development and student exchange programmes. The President also invited the academicians from the universities of New Zealand to participate in the next festival of innovation, which will be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in March 2017. 

President Pranab Mukherjee has left for home from Auckland, wrapping up his six-day official visit to Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. During this visit, he met top leaders of the two countries and inked a few important deals as part of India's 'Act East' policy.