Diplomats accredited to New Zealand participated at the Waitangi cermony in Northland on a tour related to the history of nationhood in New Zealand, dating from the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 1840.  Honorable Dame Patsy and Sir David hosted a lunch for them and their partners in Russell on 5th February in Paihia, a city close to the Waitangi.

HE Wahidullah Waissi, who is accredited to New Zealand as a non-resident ambassador, participated at this cermony in Waitangi and Wellington. 

The history of diplomatic relations extends past these first formal appointments, with New Zealand’s military contributions in Afghanistan in 2001, and New Zealand’s participation in reconstruction efforts. Since the beginning of diplomatic relations, the two countries have seen a significant growth in their unique relationship, which was furthered in 2017 and 2018 in a range of mutually interested areas. 

New Zealand acts as one of the main allies of the United State and NATO, alongside Australia, and the expanding of ties with these countries is essential for Afghanistan’s future.

In his trip to the 2019 Waitangi cermony, Ambassador Waissi met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. Both sides briefly discussed issues of bilateral interests and current affairs on Afghanistan. 

In two other events, Ambassador Waissi met Honorable Dame Patsy, the Governor General of New Zealand and conveyed best wishes of Afghan government on this auspecious day to the government and people of New Zealand. 

2018 was a fruitful year for enhancing bilateral cooperation between both nations. As part of the enhanced interaction with the political structure, Afghanistan and New Zealand developed a Friendship Group at the Parliament of New Zealand in October. Another significant achievement in the Afghanistan-New Zealand relationship was that Afghanistan appointed its first Honorary Consul to New Zealand, Mr Yasin Hotaki, who commenced the position to facilitate consular related services of Afghanistan for those Afghans residing in New Zealand, with a greater focus on trade and business. Mr Hotaki is a resident in Auckland with consular jurisdiction throughout New Zealand.