The two countries are working together in newer areas, including unmanned technologies, which will benefit the professional development of both countries’ armed forces, he added.
Singapore and New Zealand are strengthening cooperation in critical areas like healthcare and food supply, said Mr Wong.
MTI and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade signed an implementing arrangement on the use of electronic certification for trade in food and primary products between the two countries in February.
This will facilitate agri-food trade between both countries by streamlining certification processes, said the Singapore Food Agency in a separate press release on Monday.
The health ministries of both countries also signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen cooperation and partnership in the health sector.
This includes cooperation in areas such as primary care, preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics, supply chain resilience for healthcare supplies, healthcare regulation and health technology assessment, said Singapore’s Ministry of Health on Monday.
Beyond their bilateral ties, both countries will work together on the wider stage, said Mr Wong.
“Both countries believe in an open, rules-based international system, especially at a time when it is under strain,” he added.
As fellow founding members of the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership, Singapore and New Zealand will push to keep trade open, rules clear and supply chains dependable, said Mr Wong.
He also welcomed New Zealand’s upgrading of its relations with ASEAN to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Partnerships like this become even more important in these uncertain times,” said Mr Wong.
“We may be small countries, at least in terms of population. But we have agency. And when we work together with clarity, with purpose, and with trust, we can shape outcomes together, turn challenges into opportunities and bring benefits to our peoples.”