PM Lee Hsien Loong meets New Zealand PM John Key

The Prime Ministers of Singapore and New Zealand have reaffirmed the warm and longstanding bilateral ties between the two countries, including its defence cooperation. 

This took place on the second day of Mr Lee Hsien Loong's official visit to New Zealand where he met his counterpart John Key. 

Both men held talks on a broad range of issues including the proposed multilateral free trade agreement that aims to liberalise economies in the Asia Pacific region through the Trans-Pacific Partnership or TPP and the impact of the global slow-down on the region. 

Mr Lee noted that the trade agreements between the two countries are a strategic commitment to a more integrated and open region. 

He added that many Singaporeans live and work in New Zealand and vice versa and they add diversity and vibrancy to both country's communities. 

Later in the day, Mr Key hosted Mr Lee to dinner. 

PM Lee is in New Zealand on an official visit and will depart for Australia tomorrow.