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Singapore and New Zealand have reaffirmed defence ties following the fourth Singapore-New Zealand Defence Ministers' Meeting in Auckland earlier this month.
Singaporean Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen met with New Zealand Minister of Defence Judith Collins KC during the meeting.
Both officials discussed ways to strengthen defence cooperation bilaterally, and on multilateral platforms such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus.
“Dr Ng expressed appreciation for Minister Collins' strong support for the SAF's training in New Zealand, including the conduct of Exercise Thunder Warrior at the Waiouru Military Training Area,” according to the Singaporean Ministry of Defence.
“The ministers also exchanged views on a range of international and regional security issues.
“Dr Ng also met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. During the meeting, both ministers reaffirmed the close and long-standing bilateral relations between Singapore and New Zealand.
“At the Asia-New Zealand Foundation Welcome Dinner hosted by Prime Minister Luxon, Dr Ng spoke on the importance of the ANZF in bringing together diverse perspectives and strengthening cooperation between like-minded partners.
“Dr Ng’s visit underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and New Zealand. Both defence establishments have extensive interactions, such as high-level visits, cross-attendance of courses, and professional exchanges. These mutually beneficial interactions have strengthened people-to-people ties and fostered trust between personnel of both defence establishments.”
In addition, Dr Ng delivered an address at the ANZF Honorary Advisers’ Meeting, and met with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Pete on March 10.
Both countries have announced intentions to elevate Singapore-New Zealand Enhanced Partnership in 2025 as part of a commemoration of 60 years of diplomatic relations.
