Forum: New Zealand happy to mark 60 years of close ties with Singapore
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This year, New Zealand and Singapore are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations. For New Zealand, this significant milestone provides a great opportunity to celebrate one of our most valued relationships and to elevate our partnership further.
In 1965, New Zealand was among the first countries to recognise Singapore’s independence, and establish bilateral relations with the new nation. Since then, we’ve formed deep connections across areas ranging from trade and security to science and the arts.
It’s difficult to summarise the depth of the relationship. Singapore is one of our closest, most trusted and like-minded partners. We share similar interests and perspectives. Globally, we are equally committed to the international rules-based order. Closer to home, we both strive for a safe and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
The New Zealand-Singapore Enhanced Partnership underpins our bilateral relationship. Launched in 2019, it is comprehensive, covering trade and economics; security and defence; science, technology and innovation; people-to-people connections; climate change and the green economy; and supply chains and connectivity.
Our trade and economic ties are strong. New Zealand was the first country to sign a bilateral free trade agreement with Singapore, which came into effect in 2001.
As small nations, we understand the importance of building resilience to ensure growth. We are working together to strengthen supply chain connectivity and food security, expand partnerships in food and agriculture, and promote investment opportunities. Joint science research is ongoing with advanced biotechnology in food manufacturing and health-related AI solutions as current areas of focus.
In the green economy, there is untapped potential for closer ties in the energy, transport, maritime and aviation sectors. Singapore’s role as a regional green finance hub complements New Zealand’s as an investment destination for clean energy production and sustainable technologies.
Our longstanding defence ties are underpinned by the Five Power Defence Arrangements and we work closely on wider security issues, including cyber security and law enforcement.
Last but certainly not least, we continue investing in our people-to-people connections, in tourism, education, research and the arts.
In these uncertain times, this steadfast, reliable and trust-based partnership matters more than ever. We look forward to building further on the solid foundation we’ve established.
I am privileged to be New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Singapore as we celebrate this key anniversary with a number of cultural events planned to mark this milestone year.
Gabrielle Rush
New Zealand High Commissioner to Singapore
