Navigating global turbulence and disruption has been a major theme of high-level regional talks in Manila this week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.

“People all around the world are doing it tough, and our region is facing major security and economic impacts from the currently turbulent global environment,” Mr Peters says.

“In this context, it’s more important than ever that New Zealand works closely with our regional partners,” Mr Peters says.

He attended the annual ASEAN-New Zealand Foreign Ministers’ Meeting yesterday, and the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum today. Mr Peters has been involved in Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led regional meetings for over two decades, having attended the inaugural EAS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in December 2005 - and a further ten since, a point celebrated by the region’s Ministers.

“At a time of growing uncertainty, New Zealand’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN is more important than ever in supporting regional stability, safeguarding global supply chains, and advancing the prosperity and security of our people,” Mr Peters says.

Ajoint statementreleased by Ministers following the ASEAN-New Zealand Foreign Ministers’ Meeting yesterday emphasised the need to strengthen regional resilience.

“By working together, ASEAN and New Zealand are better placed to respond to change and build a more resilient future”, Mr Peters says.

While in Manila, Mr Peters also announced a new Comprehensive Partnership between Philippines and New Zealand and held a range of bilateral meetings with Foreign Minister counterparts - including Brunei, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Korea and Viet Nam.

Mr Peters arrives back in New Zealand tomorrow (24 July).