Neena Gill (S&D). – Mr President, I welcome the conclusion of this partnership agreement with New Zealand and my congratulations too to Charles Tannock. In these times of increasing isolation and nationalism, I think it is of paramount importance that we join forces with partners who share our values and our world vision to advance an open rules-based global order that works for the people. As an MEP in the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Group (S&D), I welcome that the recent elections in New Zealand resulted in a Labour-led government, championing an agenda of sustainable development.

Clearly, the EU and New Zealand are already finding an important common cause and we are making progress on trade negotiations on which this House adopted recommendations last month. Aside from trade, I hope this partnership will help us to focus our attention on a region of important mutual strategic benefit – the Asia-Pacific region. Whether it concerns the stability in the South China Sea that harbours vital shipping routes, combating climate change or addressing terrorist threats, this region is of key strategic importance to the European Union and I call upon the High Representative, the Council and the Commission to ensure that this agreement is a stepping stone to advancing our partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region, where New Zealand is an important actor.