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Malaysia–New Zealand relations refers to foreign relations between Malaysia and New Zealand. Malaysia has a high commission in Wellington, and New Zealand has a high commission in Kuala Lumpur. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations and Malaysia is important to New Zealand for strategic, political and economic reasons.
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Economic relations
The relationship between these countries is strong as business links in Malaysia were one of the influential members in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and best known to New Zealanders. In 2012, Malaysia was New Zealand's eighth-largest trading partner with Malaysia's exports comprising petroleum, computer and television equipment and palm oil worth around NZ$1.84 million while New Zealand exports to Malaysia are much higher standing at NZ$888 million consisting of dairy products, meat and scrap metal. A free trade agreement between the two countries was signed into force on 26 October 2009 in Kuala Lumpur. A number of New Zealand companies have their significant present in Malaysia mainly in food sectors, telecommunications and ICTs as well the New Zealand urging more Malaysian investors to invest in New Zealand. Both countries' leaders were also engaged in frequent visits to boost their relations.
Education relations
Under the Colombo Plan, a large numbers of Malaysian students have further continue their studies in New Zealand.
Controversy
In 2014, a Malaysian diplomat named Mohammed Rizalman Ismail was arrested by the New Zealand Police and charged with burglary and assault with intent to rape after allegedly following a 21-year-old woman, Tania Billingsley to her home.