Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is on his inaugural trip to Australia and New Zealand, marking a significant moment as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of Singapore’s diplomatic relations with both nations. This official visit, from 6 to 11 October 2024, aims to reaffirm the robust ties and cooperation on multiple fronts.
Key Engagements in Australia
During his visit to Australia, Mr Wong will engage with various leaders, including a dinner hosted by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He will participate in the 10th Singapore-Australia Leaders’ Meeting, where both nations will sign a joint declaration to upgrade their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Location: Canberra and Sydney
- Meetings with leaders including opposition figures
- Focus on defence, economic, and green energy cooperation
Wong’s Reaction to Recent Outage Tragedy
In light of recent tragedies linked to network outages in Australia by Optus, a subsidiary of Singtel, Mr Wong expressed his condolences and shared insights about corporate responsibility. He stated, “We want these companies to operate commercially and comply with domestic laws…”
Expanding Ties with New Zealand
Mr Wong’s itinerary includes a visit to New Zealand, where he will meet Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The two leaders will sign a Joint Vision Statement, further solidifying the Singapore-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Location: Auckland
- Dinner and joint press conference alongside formal receptions
Legacy and Cooperation
Mr Wong’s visit signifies an ongoing commitment to strengthen defence ties and engage in discussions about green energy and economic partnerships. He noted the historical evolution of Singapore’s relations with both countries, saying, “It’s a partnership that has grown from strength to strength…”
As both countries look toward the future, the anticipation of deeper cooperation underscores the potential for mutual benefits and collaborative initiatives.