The leadership congratulates the Governor-General of New Zealand on the anniversary of the National Day
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister - may God protect them - sent congratulatory telegrams to Her Excellency Mrs. Cindy Kerro, Governor-General of New Zealand, on the occasion of her country’s National Day, known globally and locally as “Waitangi Day”.
In his message, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued health and happiness to Her Excellency, and for further progress and prosperity to the government and people of friendly New Zealand. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince also conveyed his warmest congratulations and best wishes for good health and happiness to Her Excellency, and expressed his hopes for further development and growth for New Zealand and its people, in a gracious gesture reflecting the wise leadership's keenness to connect with world leaders on their national occasions.
Historical background: Waitangi Day and the founding of New Zealand
This greeting coincides with New Zealand's celebrations of the Treaty of Waitangi, a pivotal historical event that took place on February 6, 1840. This treaty is considered the founding document of New Zealand, having been signed by representatives of the British Crown and over 500 Māori (indigenous) tribal leaders. This day is a public holiday and a national occasion to remember shared history and celebrate the cultural diversity that characterizes New Zealand today. Official ceremonies are typically held in Waitangi, in the Bay of Islands, and include traditional ceremonies and cultural performances reflecting the country's Māori and British heritage.
Dimensions of Saudi-New Zealand relations
The congratulatory messages from the Saudi leadership carry profound significance, underscoring the strength of bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and New Zealand. These relations are characterized by mutual respect and ongoing cooperation across numerous vital sectors. Economically, the Kingdom is a key trading partner for New Zealand in the Middle East, particularly in the food security, agricultural products, and halal meat sectors. Cooperation also extends to education and culture, with a number of Saudi students studying at New Zealand universities, thus fostering intellectual and cultural exchange between the two nations.
This protocol congratulation reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its diplomatic approach based on strengthening bridges of communication and friendship with the international community, and sharing the national joys of friendly countries, which contributes to consolidating political relations and opening new horizons for future cooperation in a way that serves the common interests of the two friendly countries and supports international stability and prosperity.
