The New Zealand government has agreed to a range of initiatives to build closer ties with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Prime Minister Helen Clark announced Wednesday.

Clark's announcement in Laotian capital Vientiane came as New Zealand and Australia launched trade talks with ASEAN, a trade deal with Thailand and New Zealand's intention of signing a symbolic treaty of non-aggression with the region.

The "commemorative summit between the leaders of New Zealand, Australia, and the ASEAN marks nearly 30 years of dialogue partnership for New Zealand," Clark said.

"The government has given considerable thought to how to step up New Zealand's engagement with South East Asia, beyond the launch of the FTA negotiations announced today."

"Linkages between New Zealand and South East Asia go well beyond trade or development assistance. It's important to acknowledge the breadth and richness of our relationship. This package of initiatives is intended to do this," Clark said.

Educational and academic links were central to New Zealand's wish to encourage people to people links with ASEAN countries, in ways which benefit all involved and help create better understanding, she said.

Included in the new measures are provisions allocating ASEAN students 20-30 percent of New Zealand's new international undergraduate scholarships which will be offered from 2006, and establishing a visiting ASEAN academic program.

Other initiatives include the establishment of two annual PrimeMinister's Fellowships for ASEAN visitors, modeled on programs already in place for Japan, South Korea, and Latin America; a media program which would give more New Zealand journalists the opportunity to visit South East Asian countries and bring influential journalists from that part of the world to New Zealand;and the development of a program to showcase the quality of contemporary New Zealand music and the technical skills of New Zealand producers.

"After almost 30 years of a dialogue relationship, it is time to engage in new ways to reinforce New Zealand's long term interests in strong relationships in the region," Clark noted.

Source: Xinhua