New Zealand’s Associate Trade Minister Todd McClay, who concluded bilateral talks in Riyadh, has said his visit was an opportunity to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.

The visit also highlighted New Zealand’s commitment to partnering with Saudi Arabia in areas, including food security, infrastructure and services, he added.

“It also gave me an opportunity to share New Zealand’s expertise in asset management and government services, and to build on the already strong relationships in the region,” McClay said.

New Zealand exports $ 600 million worth of products to Saudi Arabia. The two-way trade totals $1.5 billion. “New Zealand views the GCC as an important trading partner,” McClay added.

McClay also visited the UAE and Qatar during his weeklong visit to the region.