- Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has concluded a two-day visit to Singapore, where he met Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and shored up critical fuel supply with the signing of the Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES).
"The visit was an opportunity to bolster New Zealand's resilience to global shocks and strengthen our economic ties to Singapore," Mr Luxon says.
"The inaugural Annual Leaders' Meeting between Prime Minister Wong and I was an important step in turning our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into practical action.
"The AOTES, signed by Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay and Singapore Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology Dr Tan See Leng, protects the movement of essential goods, such as fuel and food.
"In these uncertain times, having a reliable and trusted partner such as Singapore matters more than ever.
"Singapore is a critical partner in New Zealand's economic development and there is huge scope for us to deepen our trade and investment links. That was the focus of the Singapore-New Zealand Leadership Forum, and it was exciting to see our senior government and business leaders coming together to explore new opportunities to work together."
The Prime Minister also visited Jurong Island, the centre of Singapore's refining and chemicals industry, with Finance Minister Nicola Willis.
"Jurong Island showed in practical terms why Singapore matters to New Zealand. As the supplier of a third of our fuel, Singapore is central to the fuel supply chains and infrastructure that support our economic and energy security.
"We spoke to executives from the major fuel companies to better understand how they are responding to the global fuel crisis and are confident that Singapore will continue to supply fuel to New Zealand," Mr Luxon says.
The Prime Minister also called on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam during the visit.
"It was a valuable opportunity to reflect the depth of the New Zealand-Singapore relationship and our shared commitment to a stable and prosperous region."
Mr Luxon visited Changi Naval Base for a defence engagement showcasing uncrewed surface vessels and new capabilities.
"This is a defence partnership forged over time and proven in practice. For generations, our troops have trained in each other's countries.
"Built on trust and shared service, our defence ties continue to support national and regional stability while evolving into new areas of capability and commercial collaboration," Mr Luxon says.
