SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): New Zealand and Singapore will be working more closely on the green economy and the fight against climate change, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on Tuesday (April 19).
Speaking at a joint press conference with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the Istana, Lee said both countries share similar perspectives on climate change, which is the existential challenge of these times.
He said: "We need stronger cooperation amongst countries to protect the most vulnerable peoples and places on our planet.
"At the same time, we see opportunities for practical collaboration as we adopt low-carbon and green technologies."
Ardern, who arrived in Singapore on Monday for a three-day visit, thanked Lee for the contact that the two leaders maintained through the pandemic, such as a phone call during the height of lockdowns in 2020 when they discussed ways for the two countries to support each other's food security and resolve supply chain issues.
"They say that during tough times you're reminded who your friends are, and it is clear that Singapore is a very close friend of Aotearoa and New Zealand," said Ardern, referring to the Maori name for New Zealand.
This is her first overseas visit since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lee said this new area of collaboration will see the two countries work on initiatives on energy transition technology, carbon markets, sustainable transport and waste management, for a start.
It also reflects both countries' shared commitment to implement the Paris Agreement - a pact among countries to reduce their carbon footprint - and to work together to seize growth opportunities in the green economy.
Climate change and the green economy will be a new fifth pillar in the Singapore-New Zealand Enhanced Partnership that the two countries inked during Ardern's first visit here as premier in 2019.
The other four pillars are trade and economics; security and defence; science, technology and innovation; and people-to-people links.
The partnership has also paved the way for the two countries to collaborate on the research, production and deployment of low-carbon hydrogen as an energy source since last July.
Lee noted the progress of initiatives between the two countries, such as the upgraded bilateral free trade agreement that came into force in January 2020 and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) that both countries signed together with Chile, and that came into force in January 2021.
Of the DEPA, he added: "Other countries have also asked to join. We welcome their interest."
Ahead of the press conference on Tuesday afternoon, a welcome ceremony was held for Ardern at the Istana.
Ardern called on President Halimah Yacob before meeting Lee.
Lee said both PMs had discussed regional and international developments.
He said they agreed on the importance of an open and inclusive regional architecture that supports Asean centrality, and that both leaders are staunch supporters of international law and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
"That's why both Singapore and New Zealand have strongly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine," he said.
"The geopolitical uncertainties, supply-chain vulnerabilities and rising protectionism make it all the more important for countries to work together to find a path forward and identify win-win opportunities."
In this endeavour, Singapore and New Zealand are natural partners, he said.
A new orchid hybrid was also named in honour of Ardern on Tuesday morning - the Dendrobium Jacinda Ardern.
The plant, a hybrid of Dendrobium Lim Wen Gin and Dendrobium Takashimaya, produces flowers with white petals and sepals with a flush of orchid purple towards the tips.
Ardern is accompanied during her visit by her partner Clarke Gayford, New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O'Connor and senior officials.
As part of the visit, she will witness the signing of the Enhanced Partnership for Growth Arrangement between New Zealand Trade Enterprise and Enterprise Singapore which aims to expand existing business alliances and promote deeper collaboration in areas such as perishable food transhipment and emerging technologies.
She will also witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on sustainable aviation, an initiative under the new pillar of climate change and green economy of the Enhanced Partnership.
The MOU will be signed by Singapore's Ministry of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, New Zealand's Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Both countries will also be establishing an officials-level supply chain working group to share best practices to mitigate supply chain disruption risks, particularly for essential goods and services, and explore solutions to help businesses withstand potential supply chain disruptions.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
