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.
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.
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. 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 that both countries signed together with Chile, and that came into force in January 2021.Ahead of the press conference on Tuesday afternoon, a welcome ceremony was held for Ardern at the Istana.Lee said both PMs had discussed regional and international developments.
"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."A new orchid hybrid was also named in honour of Ardern on Tuesday morning - the Dendrobium Jacinda Ardern.
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.