Both sides have expressed keeness to further enhance engagement and deepen ties in various areas

India and New Zealand on Thursday reiterated the importance of a free, open, inclusive, and stable Indo-Pacific.

"Highlighting the need for closer cooperation in the region, both sides reiterated the importance of a free, open, inclusive, and stable Indo-Pacific," the ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said after the 4th Foreign Ministry Consultations between India and New Zealand held in New Delhi.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the existing warm and friendly bilateral relations, including trade and investment, defence and security, people-to people ties, counter-terrorism, cyber security, and disarmament.

"Both sides expressed keeness to further enhance engagement and deepen ties in various areas," the MEA said. Discussions were also held on ways to strengthen coordination at regional and multilateral fora, the MEA added.

Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East) led the Indian delegation while the New Zealand side was led by Mr. Mark Sinclair, Deputy Secretary, Americas and Asia Group, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.