Singapore, New Zealand reaffirm close defence ties, discuss ways to boost bilateral cooperation
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Dr Ng Eng Hen and New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins in Auckland, New Zealand.
PHOTO: MINDEF
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SINGAPORE – Singapore and New Zealand have reaffirmed their close and longstanding defence relations, as Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen met his counterpart, Ms Judith Collins, in Auckland on March 9.
Dr Ng and Ms Collins, who co-chaired the fourth Singapore-New Zealand Defence Ministers’ Meeting, discussed ways to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said in a statement.
They also talked about how they can do so on multilateral platforms, such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus.
Dr Ng expressed appreciation for Ms Collins’ strong support for the Singapore Armed Forces’ training in New Zealand, such as Exercise Thunder Warrior at the Waiouru Military Training Area.
“Dr Ng’s visit underscores the close and longstanding defence relations between Singapore and New Zealand,” said Mindef, adding that both ministers also exchanged views on a range of international and regional security issues.
“Both defence establishments have extensive interactions, such as high-level visits, cross-attendance of courses and professional exchanges,” Mindef added.
“These mutually beneficial interactions have strengthened people-to-people ties and fostered trust between personnel of both defence establishments.”
While in Auckland, Dr Ng also met New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on the sidelines of the Asia-New Zealand Foundation (ANZF) Meeting.
Dr Ng and Mr Luxon talked about plans to elevate the Singapore-New Zealand Enhanced Partnership in 2025 as both countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, Mindef said.
At the ANZF welcome dinner hosted by Mr Luxon, Dr Ng spoke about the importance of the ANZF in bringing together diverse perspectives and strengthening cooperation between like-minded partners.
In a Facebook post on March 9, Dr Ng said that both states “draw from the deep reservoir of trust, respect and shared values”.
“Particularly as small states, we appreciate the value of strong ties and long-term relationships,” he added.
On March 10, the minister delivered an address at the ANZF Honorary Advisers’ Meeting.
Dr Ng also met New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
