Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, currently on an official visit to New Zealand, signed a Joint Vision Statement with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at New Zealand’s Government House in Auckland on the 10th, jointly launching the Singapore-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
At a joint press conference with Luxon, Wong said the two countries would work together on "more ambitious and innovative" projects within the framework of the new relationship.
As Singapore and New Zealand celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the bilateral relationship has been further elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Over the next 10 years, the two countries will implement 72 initiatives spanning trade and economy, defense and security, science, technology and innovation, people-to-people exchanges, climate change and sustainable development, as well as supply chain connectivity.
In terms of supply chain connectivity, the two countries will also establish a Strategic Food Partnership to enhance food security and resilience.
The two countries will also implement the world’s first legally binding "Essential Goods Trade Agreement," to ensure the continuous flow of key supplies such as food, energy, and medicine—even in times of crisis. This agreement will provide security for both the nations and their peoples, ensuring mutual support during critical periods.
In addition, the two countries will hold annual leaders’ meetings and work together to support broader regional progress, including efforts to upgrade ASEAN–New Zealand relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The two countries will also deepen investment and capital market cooperation, allowing New Zealand companies to use Singapore as a springboard into Southeast Asia, while regional companies can also explore opportunities in New Zealand. A New Zealand–Singapore Leaders’ Forum will be held next year to strengthen two-way economic, policy, and business ties.
Moreover, the two countries will broaden security cooperation, for example, in unmanned technology.