Defence Ministers from Singapore and New Zealand discuss closer cooperation during the fourth Singapore-New Zealand Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Auckland.
Singapore and New Zealand reaffirmed their strong and enduring defence relationship during the fourth Singapore-New Zealand Defence Ministers’ Meeting, co-chaired by Singapore’s Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and New Zealand’s Minister of Defence Judith Collins KC. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation and strengthening collaboration through multilateral platforms such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).
Dr Ng expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s continued support for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) training, particularly Exercise Thunder Warrior at the Waiouru Military Training Area. The ministers also exchanged views on regional and global security challenges, emphasizing the need for close collaboration in addressing emerging threats.
Following the meeting, Dr Ng met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, where both leaders reaffirmed the deep bilateral relations between Singapore and New Zealand. They also discussed plans to elevate the Singapore-New Zealand Enhanced Partnership in 2025, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations this year.
Dr Ng later attended the Asia-New Zealand Foundation (ANZF) Welcome Dinner, hosted by Prime Minister Luxon. In his address, he highlighted the ANZF’s role in fostering cooperation and strengthening ties between like-minded nations.
On 10 March 2025, Dr Ng is scheduled to 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 long-standing and robust defence relationship between Singapore and New Zealand. Both nations maintain extensive defence interactions, including high-level visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of military courses. These engagements continue to strengthen people-to-people ties and foster mutual trust between their defence forces.
Source – MINDEF
