Governor-General to visit Singapore and Timor-Leste

The Governor-General, Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, and Lady Susan Satyanand are to make a State visit to Singapore and Timor-Leste.

Sir Anand said New Zealand had a long and shared history with Singapore.

"Singapore is New Zealand's longest-standing partner in South-East Asia and the country in the region with which we have the most comprehensive relationship.  The relationship includes regular high-level political consultations, significant defence co-operation and a growing network of commercial and business linkages."

Sir Anand said the visit to Timor-Leste demonstrated New Zealand's commitment to the young nation's national development.  It was also an opportunity to recognise the New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand Police personnel serving in Timor-Leste.

"New Zealand is committed to assisting Timor-Leste develop its economy and government.  To be invited to participate in that nation's Independence Day celebrations on 20 May is a significant honour." 

The Governor-General and Lady Susan will leave for Singapore on Saturday 15 May and return to New Zealand on Friday 21 May.  They will visit Singapore from 15 May before travelling to Timor-Leste on 18 May.

While in Singapore, the Governor-General and Lady Susan will lay a wreath at the Kranji War Cemetery and will be hosted to a State Dinner by the President, HE S.R. Nathan.  They will also meet the Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, and other senior ministers.  They will visit Singapore Polytechnic, which delivers a Bachelor of Food Technology degree programme with New Zealand's Massey University as well as meeting with New Zealand bloodstock interests in Singapore.  They will also participate in a ceremony to mark the opening of ANZ branches in Singapore.

In Timor-Leste, the Governor-General and Lady Susan will lay a wreath at the Manning Memorial in Tilomar and meet New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand Police personnel serving with the United Nations and International Stabilisation Force.  They will also meet the President HE Dr Jose Ramos-Horta and participate in Timor-Leste Independence Day celebrations. 

While the Governor-General is overseas, Supreme Court Judge, Rt Hon Justice Sir Peter Blanchard, will serve as Administrator of the Government.

For further enquiries contact: Antony Paltridge, Government House on 021 470 583