NZ governor-general arrives in Malaysia for four-day state visit

The Governor-General of New Zealand, Dame Cindy Kiro, has arrived in Malaysia for a four-day state visit. The visit was at the invitation of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

Accompanied by her husband Dr Richard Davies and senior officials, Kiro arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 on a commercial flight at 9.50am.

Upon arrival, Kiro and her delegation were received by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who was also the minister-in-attendance.

Kiro was greeted with a ceremonial guard of honour by the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment, led by Captain Nur Zhafran Ahamad.

This is Kiro’s first visit to Malaysia and the South-East Asian region since assuming office on October 21, 2021.

The last state visit by a governor-general of New Zealand was conducted by Dame Patsy Reddy from December 5 to 8, 2017.

Kiro’s visit highlights the importance of Malaysia-New Zealand’s longstanding bilateral relations and multifaceted cooperation. The two nations elevated their relationship to the level of strategic cooperation in May 2023.

New Zealand is Malaysia’s second largest trading partner in the Pacific region. The total trade between the two countries reached RM6.32 billion (US$1.42 billion) as of June this year, an increase of 15.3% compared to the same period in 2022 when it was RM5.48 billion (US$1.27 billion).

During her visit, Kiro will attend a state banquet at Istana Negara and have an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. She is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

– Bernama