Australia-New Zealand and Southeast Asia Relations : An Agenda for Closer Cooperation

This report finds that despite past differences and periodic setbacks, the relationship between ANZ and Southeast Asia has become increasingly solid and multi-faceted, as successive Australian, New Zealand and Southeast Asian governments have taken steps since the early 1970s to facilitate mutual ties and interaction in a wide range of areas. What is most striking is that in recent years much of the real substance in the relationship between ANZ and Southeast Asia has developed without the direct assistance or guidance of governments as private business, education and travel have mushroomed. From being largely government-fostered in the 1970s, the links between the two regions have become more broadly based and oriented towards closer contacts between people. This is the "soft power" of the new relationship between ANZ and Southeast Asia.Chin, Kin Wah is the author of 'Australia-New Zealand and Southeast Asia Relations : An Agenda for Closer Cooperation', published 2004 under ISBN 9789812302892 and ISBN 9812302891.