Singapore, New Zealand sign defence cooperation arrangement

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean and New Zealand's Minister of Defence Wayne Mapp signed the Arrangement between the Government of New Zealand and the Government of the Republic of Singapore Concerning Defence Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence this afternoon. This is the first bilateral defence agreement to be signed between Singapore and New Zealand at the ministerial level. The defence cooperation arrangement reaffirms the excellent defence relationship between Singapore and New Zealand, which is based on shared strategic perspectives and common interests. The arrangement also provides a framework to build on the many existing defence interactions to deepen and broaden areas of cooperation between Singapore and New Zealand. Dr Mapp, who is in Singapore for an introductory visit from 27 to 28 May, called on Mr Teo before the defence cooperation arrangement signing ceremony. While in Singapore, Dr Mapp will visit the Headquarters, Singapore Artillery, and Changi Naval Base.