Judith Collins Heads to Singapore for Defense and Technology Summits

Kicking off her agenda is the Asia Tech X Singapore Summit, followed closely by the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) Defence Ministers Meeting.

New Zealand's Defence and Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister, Judith Collins, is set to embark on a significant journey to Singapore for a series of pivotal summits and meetings focused on defense and technology.

Kicking off her agenda is the Asia Tech X Singapore Summit, followed closely by the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) Defence Ministers Meeting. The culmination of her trip will be marked by her participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue, a paramount gathering for Defence Ministers from the Indo-Pacific region.

Expressing anticipation, Ms. Collins shared, "I am looking forward to engaging with Ministers from around the globe to exchange perspectives on regional security dynamics and delve into discussions on the latest technological advancements."

Highlighting the crucial role of the FPDA in New Zealand's defense strategy, Ms. Collins emphasized the significance of the face-to-face meeting in enhancing regional cooperation and interoperability among member nations.

During the Shangri-La Dialogue, she will engage in dialogues with various counterparts and contribute to a panel discussion centered on bridging security concerns between the Indian Ocean and Pacific regions.

At the Asia Tech X Singapore Summit, Ms. Collins will partake in a dialogue session with fellow Ministers from the Forum of Small Island States, hosted by Singapore's Minister for Communications and Information, Josephine Teo.

Expressing the value of New Zealand's relationship with Singapore, Ms. Collins underscored the collaborative efforts through existing joint research programs, driving innovation and growth opportunities.

"I eagerly anticipate meeting with my Singaporean ministerial colleagues to explore avenues for deeper cooperation under the New Zealand-Singapore Enhanced Partnership, solidified by the recent agreement between the Prime Ministers of both countries," she stated.

Ms. Collins is scheduled to return to New Zealand on Monday, June 3, following what promises to be an enriching and productive series of engagements in Singapore.