New Zealand and Singapore signed a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP), with their prime ministers pledging to continue to find ways to work together to maintain the international rules-based order.
The two countries have maintained political ties for 60 years, and in 2019 signed an enhanced partnership agreement that covered trade and economics, defence and security, as well as supply chains.
“Singapore is one of our closest partners. As small states, it’s important we work side-by-side to keep trade open, strengthen security, and defend the rules-based order,” New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in a statement following the signing of the agreement.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said at a joint press conference that the legally binding agreement meant both governments had committed to not imposing export restrictions, even during times of crisis, on some key products like medicine and other essential supplies.
“I think that’s an agreement that will give assurance to both our countries and to both our peoples that in times of need, we will always be there for one another,” Wong said. — Reuters
