Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is stepping down as leader after nearly 20 years.
Lee announced his departure hours after his meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
They discussed furthering the New Zealand-Singapore Enhanced Partnership and resuming the Singaporean military’s live-fire exercises in New Zealand next year.
Speaking on the announcement, Luxon paid tribute to the outgoing Singaporean leader.
“Prime Minister Lee is rightly esteemed as a leader of the highest order the world over. He has also made a significant contribution to the close ties between New Zealand and Singapore over many decades. He is a true friend of New Zealand,” said Luxon.
Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will take over as Singaporean Prime Minister on May 15.
Luxon will meet tonight (New Zealand time) with Deputy Prime Minister Wong to discuss the next phase of New Zealand and Singapore’s close partnership.
“I look forward to working with incoming Prime Minister Wong on deepening our relationship across all its pillars.”