Visit by New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern - May 2019

Prime Minister of New Zealand The Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern is on her first Official Visit to Singapore. Prime Minister Ardern received a ceremonial welcome at the Istana this morning and called on President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Prime Minister Lee also hosted an official lunch in honour of Prime Minister Ardern.

Prime Minister Lee and Prime Minister Ardern observed that bilateral relations were warm, with wide-ranging cooperation across many fields. Both Prime Ministers noted that Singapore and New Zealand shared similar strategic perspectives on free trade and a rules-based international order. Prime Minister Lee expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s longstanding support for the Singapore Armed Forces’ artillery training in Waiouru. Both Prime Ministers welcomed the good progress to deepen cooperation in new areas such as the digital economy. They also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the importance of deepening economic integration.

After their meeting, Prime Minister Ardern and Prime Minister Lee signed a Joint Declaration elevating our bilateral relations to an Enhanced Partnership (EP). Under the EP, both countries will embark on closer cooperation in trade and economics; security and defence; science, technology and innovation; and people-to-people links. Both Prime Ministers also witnessed the signing of the upgraded Agreement between New Zealand and Singapore on a Closer Economic Partnership (ANZSCEP).