Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he is aiming to "lift the intensity and urgency of foreign relationships", particularly in South East Asia. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Nathan McKinnon
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is on his way to Laos to attend the annual East Asia Summit, where he will meet with a "substantial number" of world leaders on the sidelines.
The RNZAF Boeing 757 departed Whenuapai Airbase on Wednesday afternoon and is due to arrive in Vientiane early Thursday morning.
Luxon has characterised the whirlwind 37-hour trip as part of his drive to "lift the intensity and urgency of foreign relationships", particularly in South East Asia.
"The EAS is an important opportunity to discuss strategic issues, which continue to be on an increasingly challenging trajectory across the Indo-Pacific," Luxon said.
"Elevating New Zealand's relationship with Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] is a particular priority."
This trip marks Luxon's fifth visit to a South East Asian country this year, part of a "very deliberate" redoubled effort on the region.
Earlier this year, he told RNZ that the region had "huge strategic and commercial importance" to New Zealand.
"It's where our security, but also our prosperity, really lies going forward."
The summit brings together the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), as well eight other Indo-Pacific leaders, including from New Zealand.
Other attendees include the United States, China, Russia, India and Australia.
This year's summit is sure to be coloured by the ongoing tussle for primacy in the region between the US and China.
As always, trade will also be a key feature of the trip, with plans for Luxon to speak at the Asean Business and Investment Summit.
Luxon is due to arrive back in New Zealand early Saturday.