​​​​​​​At a Roundtable Discussion held in cooperation with The Asia New Zealand Foundation, the focus was on the German and European relations with Asia. In his impulse statement, MP Mark Hauptmann referred to the unbroken dynamics in, and the need to reach out to, Asia. He also gave a first-hand account of Germany’s cooperation with Vietnam. While the Asia New Zealand Foundation was interested in Europe’s engagement in the Pacific, other participants raised various issues including China’s Belt & Road Initiative. There was a consensus on the need for like-minded countries to cooperate in times of global challenges.

KAS Canberra would like to thank its cooperation partners and wishes MP Mark Hauptmann all the best for the remainder of his stay.