[ back ] [ NZC News Archive ]

KUCHING: New Zealand Trade Negotiations Minister Jim Sutton yesterday said the ties forged in the past between Malaysia, in particular Sarawak, and New Zealand is well-worth keeping.

He said the connection between the two nations should be maintained so that both could continue to enjoy the fruits of the "deep roots" that had been laid in the 1950s.

"These deep roots had been put down during a time when the Sarawak government places importance on such ties and on education during the Colombo Plan in the 50s.

"It was a visionary plan which first forged strengths of friendship," he said at the launching of the NZ Centre here.

Sutton added that the ties, which led to other areas such as commerce and trade, went on from generation

to generation as those who were educated in New Zealand continued to renew the relationship in their adult life. He said both nations ought to continue to build on this relationship by forging business partnerships, venturing into areas other than education such as tourism and agriculture.

On the centre, Sutton praised Sarawak for setting up an enterprise that could serve as a home-away-from­home for New Zealanders and to allow young people to fmd out more about the education opportunities of the nation.

He said students would discover for themselves that they could still have fun in New Zealand, which offered many outdoor recreational activities.

"They don't have to study all the time," he added. Earlier, Acting New Zealand High Commissioner David Pine also spoke.