Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and New Zealand Minister of Defence Judith Collins KC co-chaired the fourth Singapore-New Zealand Defence Ministers' Meeting earlier today in Auckland, New Zealand.

During the meeting, Dr Ng and Minister Collins discussed ways to strengthen defence cooperation bilaterally, and on multilateral platforms such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). Dr Ng expressed appreciation for Minister Collins' strong support for the SAF's training in New Zealand, including the conduct of Exercise Thunder Warrior at the Waiouru Military Training Area. The ministers also exchanged views on a range of international and regional security issues.

Dr Ng also met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon this afternoon. During the meeting, both ministers reaffirmed the close and long-standing bilateral relations between Singapore and New Zealand, and discussed plans to elevate the Singapore-New Zealand Enhanced Partnership in 2025, to commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations this year.

At the Asia-New Zealand Foundation (ANZF) Welcome Dinner hosted by Prime Minister Luxon, Dr Ng spoke on the importance of the ANZF in bringing together diverse perspectives and strengthening cooperation between like-minded partners.

On Monday 10 March, Dr Ng will deliver an address at the ANZF Honorary Advisers’ Meeting, and meet with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters.

Dr Ng’s visit underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and New Zealand. Both defence establishments have extensive interactions, such as high-level visits, cross-attendance of courses, and professional exchanges. These mutually beneficial interactions have strengthened people-to-people ties and fostered trust between personnel of both defence establishments.