NZ to help develop energy in ASEAN

Kuala LUMPUR, Nov 22 (TNA) - New Zealand will help develop energy sources in member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) while both sides agreed Sunday to strengthen cooperation at the regional and global levels. Under the new action plan for 2016 – 2020 reached between ASEAN and New Zealand during the current 27th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits held in Kuala Lumpur, the government of New Zealand will offer assistance on developing energy sources in ASEAN. Both sides issued a joint statement celebrating 40th anniversary of warm relationship and to also endorse the ‘Plan of Action’ between 2016 – 2020. Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha welcomed that the New Zealand government would focus on developing agriculture sector under the new ‘Plan of Action’. He hailed the constructive role of New Zealand toward ASEAN during the past 40 years, especially on its assistance in establishing the Mekong Institute in Thailand two decades ago. Gen.Prayut said it reflects a far-sighted vision by New Zealand on investment in human resources which is a sustainable development. (TNA)