Singapore's Prime Minister says both it and New Zealand are concerned about an emerging new global order.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and a delegation have held talks with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and senior ministers at Government House in Auckland.
They emerged to sign a legally binding agreement, the New Zealand-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
"We worry a lot, both of our countries, about how the global order is evolving, where it's becoming one where it's more about 'might is right', and that's not going to be beneficial for small countries," Prime Minister Wong said at a joint press conference.
"We worry that we see economic interdependencies being weaponised more and more and used as leverage for international negotiations.
"And so we are moving away from a system which we both have benefited for decades, a system of multilateral values which we have benefited from, and into a new environment where we are very concerned."
Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at Government House in Auckland. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi
He said the rules are changing and it was not clear how things will change in the future.
"But the changes are real, and if the trends were to continue then we will be in a very inhospitable environment for small countries," he said.
The New Zealand government said the CSP signed today boils down to more jobs and higher incomes for New Zealanders.
It has six pillars spanning the likes of trade and economics, defence and security, and science and innovation.
Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at a joint press conference. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi
Both countries also concluded an Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies, a first of its kind deal to keep essential goods moving in times of crisis.
"We're also backing one another's economies whether it's in the boardroom or on the wharfs," Luxon said.
"With Singapore, out second biggest source of investment and our largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, it's high time that our business leaders forged their future together.
"We're backing one another's people whether it's students, scientists, or start-ups."
Christopher Luxon, Winston Peters & Judith Collins at a ceremony with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Auckland. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi
Luxon said the CSP meant labs could turn into launchpads.
Both leaders said the agreement was "forged in history and fit for the future".
Wong said it would mean the countries could together pursue more ambitious and innovative projects and strengthen economic collaboration.
"Singapore and New Zealand may be small in size but we have shown time and again that the power of our partnership outweighs our scale," he said.
"By working together closely I am confident we can continue to turn challenges into opportunities and deliver benefits for our peoples and the wider region."
New Zealand and Singapore wanted to work together more on defence and training exercises.
Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had been in Australia before his New Zealand visit. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi
Wong said the world was changing.
"And we must expect that there will be fewer reliable anchors to keep the global system going in the future," he said.
Wong had been in Australia before his New Zealand visit.
They coincide with the 60th anniversary of Singapore establishing diplomatic relations with both countries.
Luxon said his Singapore counterpart's visit sets the direction for the next chapter of the countries' relationship.
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