New Zealand FM to build ASEAN links in visits to Cambodia, Laos

New Zealand's ties to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be on the agenda when Foreign Minister Murray McCully visits Cambodia and Laos this week.

McCully said Monday that he would hold a range of meetings to mark the 40th anniversary of New Zealand's formal partnership with ASEAN.

"New Zealand is developing an increasingly diverse relationship with the Mekong region, including Cambodia and Lao PDR," McCully said in a statement.

"In Cambodia, I will meet with Prime Minister Hun Sen and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong to discuss bilateral issues and New Zealand's relationship with the wider ASEAN grouping," he said.

In Phnom Penh, he would also sign an air services agreement, which would help national carrier Air New Zealand to make the most of the Cambodian dimension of its strategic alliance with Singapore Airlines, launched in January.

"My visit to Lao PDR will include meetings with Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr Thongloun Sisoulith. Lao PDR assumes the chair of ASEAN and the East Asia Summit for 2016, and has just concluded three years as ASEAN's coordinator for New Zealand," said McCully.

"New Zealand's trade links with both countries are modest but growing and there are real opportunities for New Zealand business with increasing regional economic integration."