PM Lee congratulates new NZ PM Christopher Luxon

SINGAPORE – Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has written a letter of congratulations to Mr Christopher Luxon, the new prime minister of New Zealand.

The former businessman entered politics three years ago and is leader of the centre-right National Party,

whose victory at the polls

on Saturday marks a decisive turn to the right for the previously left-leaning country.

Current results are still provisional, pending the final vote count due on Nov 3, but as at late Saturday, New Zealand time, more than 95 per cent of the votes had been counted.

In his letter, PM Lee expressed confidence that New Zealand would thrive under Mr Luxon’s leadership “amid the uncertain times ahead”.

He said Singapore and New Zealand enjoy longstanding close relations, underpinned by several partnerships such as the Enhanced Partnership, Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership and Digital Economy Partnership Agreement.

“I am glad that both sides are stepping up cooperation in strengthening supply chain resilience, which would be mutually beneficial in this increasingly challenging and complex global environment.

“I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our bilateral ties and cooperation, both regionally and internationally,” he said.

PM Lee, who recalled meeting Mr Luxon in June 2022, when the latter visited Singapore, added that he looks forward to another meeting soon. “I wish you and your government every success,” he said.

Before his meteoric rise in politics, Mr Luxon, 53, was chief executive of

Air New Zealand

and also held senior roles at global consumer goods firm Unilever.

He has pledged to bring down the cost of living, crack down on crime and deliver better healthcare and education.

New Zealand’s swing to the right ends the Labour Party’s six years in office – a period marked by various crises, like the Covid-19 pandemic and the Christchurch mosque attacks.

The Labour government was led by then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for the most part, until

her shock resignation

briefly installed Mr Chris Hipkins in the post he failed to retain.