N.Z. PROMISES AID TO MALAYSIA

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32525, 8 February 1971, Page 2

N.Z. PROMISES AID TO MALAYSIA

(New Zealand Frets Aieoclatlon; KUALA LUMPUR, February 7. New Zealand planned to build an agricultural vocational school in East Malaysia soon, the Acting High Commissioner (Mr K. Cunningham) said in Kuala Lumpur last night.

An extensive beef farming project, also with New Zealand aid, had already begun there, and both projects were from a straight - out grant, with no loans, he said.'

Mr Cunningham, in a talk iover Radio Malaysia marking New Zealand Day, said New Zealand was doing its utmost to ensure that its develop-

ment assistance met the requirements of Malaysia's new economic policy. New Zealand was considering a Malaysian request for help in starting forestry projects to provide jobs for those unemployed after the closing of east coast iron mines, he said. Mr Cunningham also emphasised. New Zealand's interest and understanding of Malaysia wanting guaranteed neutrality for South-East Asia.

“It could be a long haul and no doubt there are many obstacles, but a beginning has been made,” Mr Cunningham said.

The Commonwealth heads of government conference in Singapore and a meeting of five-power defence officials last month had demonstrated the mutual concern of both countries to work together to build a better and more secure South-East Asia. Mr Cuhningham said that both Malaysia and New Zealand could be considered prosperous but shared extremely vulnerable economies. “Self-help can be the only real solution but friends can

assist, and in the years ahead I am confident we can help one another by strengthening our respective economies by more lively trade.” New Zealand Day was celebrated at a reception given by Mr Cunningham in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

The New Zealand High Commissioner to Singapore (Mr H. H. Francis) was host at a similar function for the New Zealand community there last night.