Stronger ties forged with New Zealand to combat terrorism

Against the backdrop of the recent terrorist attack in Christchurch, Malaysia and New Zealand are on the same page on the need to forge closer ties to fight terrorism.

This follows talks between Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and her New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters in Kuala Lumpur today.

"We have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in combatting this scourge of terrorism," Wan Azizah told the media after their meeting held at the Parliament building here.

“The attack on the two mosques during Friday prayers on March 15 claimed the lives of 50 people, including a Malaysian teenager. Dozens of others were injured.

During the meeting, Wan Azizah said she also offered heartfelt condolences to the government of New Zealand and its people and the families of the victims.

“The government of Malaysia stands together with the government of New Zealand in this difficult time,” she said at the joint press conference with Peters, who is also New Zealand's foreign minister.

Wan Azizah also extended the government's appreciation to Wellington for all assistance rendered to the Malaysian victims of the attack that drew widespread condemnation from across the globe. Three Malaysians were among the injured.

Peters, who is in town on a two-day working visit, said: “The victims of this appalling terrorist attack include Malaysians, and our thoughts are very much with them, their families and communities.”

He said the New Zealand government was providing support to those who had been impacted by the incident.

“We are a country that practices religious tolerance. An attack on one of us observing our beliefs is an attack on all of us."

Peters said New Zealand was grateful for the expressions of sympathy and support extended by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysian leaders, civil society organisations and Muslims in general.

“The most important thing we have noticed and have observed not just from countries around the world but, in particular from the 57 Islamic nations, is their level of understanding and support.

“And we've been particularly humbled to have Malaysia stand with us in a very bleak hour,” he said.

Peters said the country was also touched by the visits by 50 Muslim and civil society organisations to the New Zealand High Commission here to pass on messages of solidarity since the attack.

The first New Zealand leader to visit Malaysia after the horrific attack, Peters also expressed condolences and sympathies of all New Zealanders over the attack to all those affected.

“Our message to the people of Malaysia and around the world is that...let us work with a renewed vigour to spread tolerance, compassion and understanding,” he said.

Peters also met with Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah and Parliamentary Caucus on Reform and Governance chairman Anwar Ibrahim. He is scheduled to leave Malaysia this evening.

Wan Azizah also noted she believed that bilateral relations between both countries in other fields would remain strong with more opportunities to strengthen and widen the cooperation.

She cited trade, investment, education, tourism and people-to-people ties as examples where such cooperation could be deepened.

- Bernama