Peeni Henare, the country’s defense minister, will leave for Singapore tomorrow to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, the region’s largest defense and security gathering.
After arriving in Singapore, ministers from countries such as Australia, Singapore and Canada will hold bilateral discussions with Minister Henare.
It’s an opportunity to talk about Indo-Pacific security problems one-on-one with defense ministers at the Shangri-La Dialogue.” For Peeni Henare, the Pacific is a critical aspect of her defense strategy, and she’s eager to meet with her allies to discuss it.
I’m taking advantage of this opportunity because of the present threats to our area and the need of maintaining successful connections with our allies.
To address climate change’s impact on Pacific Island countries and their military, New Zealand will participate in a panel discussion with the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) in Singapore hosts the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, which is the premier platform for Indo-Pacific defense ministers.
A three-day trip to the Republic of Korea follows the Shangri-La Dialogue, where the Minister will engage with New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) soldiers stationed there for the UN Military Armistice Commission.
We are proud to have New Zealand’s NZDF members serving in South Korea as a visible sign that New Zealand is committed to maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Additionally, the Minister will pay tribute to the 45 New Zealanders who sacrificed their lives in the Korean War by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial.