Auckland/New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) New Zealand’s Revenue Minister Simon Watts on Friday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit as an important turning point in India-New Zealand relations. He said that the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a major step towards furthering bilateral relations between the two countries. This will open up economic opportunities for both countries and will also strengthen their shared commitment to the rules-based international order.
Speaking to news agency IANS in Auckland, Watts said the India-New Zealand FTA is a ‘big step’ in the bilateral relations between the two countries and is expected to bring considerable economic benefits to both the countries.
He said, “This is a big step towards our mutual relations. It opens up important avenues of economic benefit for both the countries. It further strengthens the relations between the two countries whose thinking is very similar in terms of rules-based system and multilateral approach.”
Describing the present moment as a “very important moment” for New Zealand, Watts said hosting Prime Minister Modi reflected the strengthening relationship between Wellington and New Delhi.
He told IANS, “Hosting Prime Minister Modi is a very important moment for New Zealand. It further boosts the strengthening relationship between New Zealand and India. The signing of the FTA is a big step for the relationship between the two countries and is also a big thing for the Indian community living in New Zealand.”
The Union Minister also praised the global image of Prime Minister Modi and said that this visit is a strong indication of how much strategic importance both countries attach to this partnership.
Watts said, “He is an important figure globally. It is an honor for our Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to host him in New Zealand. Prime Minister Modi coming to New Zealand is going to further strengthen the relationship. He is signaling that this is a strategic relationship and we are very excited to host him here.”
–IANS
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