NZ and Nordic Nations Forge Stronger Strategic, Economic, and Security Ties

New Zealand and the five Nordic nations — Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden — are set to deepen their cooperation on global security, economic growth, and sustainable development, following Foreign Minister Winston Peters' high-level diplomatic tour of the region.

Peters concluded his visit by attending the first-ever Nordic 5–New Zealand Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Stockholm, marking a significant milestone in relations between the Southern Hemisphere democracy and the five northern European states. The dialogue underscored a shared vision grounded in democracy, international law, and sustainable prosperity.

Shared Strategic Concerns

Speaking at the close of his tour, Peters emphasized that while "New Zealand and the Nordic countries are separated by vast oceans," they are united by "how we see the world, the values we wish to uphold and defend, and our desire to cooperate for mutual economic benefit."

A key topic of discussion was the rapidly evolving global security environment, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Nordic ministers expressed appreciation for New Zealand's tangible support to Ukraine, despite its geographic distance from Europe. Peters reiterated that the conflict's implications extend far beyond Europe, warning that "if Russia is not stopped in Ukraine, it will keep pushing further," and that Moscow's hybrid tactics are already targeting the Nordic and Baltic regions.

The ministers also discussed the growing strategic overlap between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific theatres. Peters noted that Russia's war effort benefits indirectly from certain Indo-Pacific actors, highlighting the interconnectedness of modern security challenges. Nordic representatives, in turn, voiced support for a "free, open, and democratic Indo-Pacific," pledging to explore ways to contribute to regional peacebuilding and resilience.

Building Economic and Development Partnerships

Beyond security, the talks placed major emphasis on economic collaboration and sustainable development. Peters described the Nordic countries as "model economies" whose approaches to innovation, renewable energy, fisheries management, and public governance hold valuable lessons for New Zealand.

"For 20 years now, across three terms as Foreign Minister, we have championed the idea that the economic development stories of the Nordic countries have many seriously important lessons for New Zealand," he said.

The visit highlighted several potential cooperation areas — from geothermal energy and port management to digital transformation and sovereign wealth fund practices. Peters pointed to the reopening of New Zealand's embassy in Stockholm in 2018 as a pivotal step in deepening engagement with the region after its temporary closure a decade earlier.

He reaffirmed New Zealand's intent to leverage Nordic experience to boost productivity, attract investment, and strengthen innovation-led growth. "If New Zealand is to become a more productive economy and more attractive for foreign direct investment, we need to apply practical lessons from other small countries that have had success — and the Nordic region is a great source of them," he said.

Expanding Cooperation in the Pacific

The talks also explored ways for Nordic development assistance to continue benefiting Pacific Island countries, particularly through multilateral and regional programs. Nordic nations have a long tradition of supporting global development and climate adaptation initiatives, which align closely with New Zealand's Pacific priorities.

By coordinating efforts in sustainable development, renewable energy, and maritime resilience, both sides aim to advance the welfare of Pacific communities and strengthen the region's stability.

Looking Ahead

At the conclusion of his week-long tour, Peters underscored that "there is no limit to what we might achieve together." He announced that New Zealand agencies and businesses would soon establish direct working connections with Nordic partners to realize the "still untapped potential" of these partnerships.

With his return to Wellington on 1 November, Peters' mission has laid the groundwork for a new era of collaboration — one that connects New Zealand's Pacific vision with the Nordic model of sustainable prosperity and democratic resilience.