Key off to Singapore

The Prime Minister says it’s well worth the time and money making trips to Indonesia like the one he's made this week.

After nearly three days in Jakarta, John Key heads to Singapore for a whirlwind one day political and business visit.

Four agreements relating to labour, agriculture, geotechnical have been signed in Indonesia and Mr Key is confident those ties will only get stronger.

"My time as Prime Minister's usefully spent when I do these things because it's, in the end, when the rubber hits the road, it's more jobs, it's more opportunities, it's a stronger New Zealand economy."

Mr Key thinks immense progress has been made in building our relationship with the economic giant and that everyone will soon start seeing the results.

The thorny issues of increased tariffs on our beef and human rights abuses in Papua were raised in top level political chats and Mr Key's confident progress is being made in both areas.

It's now off to Singapore for a day of political and business meetings.

Mr Key will meet with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today – and for the second day in a row attend a state dinner at a presidential palace.

He says the talks will focus on regional issues.

"They're great friends of New Zealand and they're a very good consistent voice. There are obviously a few areas where there are slight differences between us, but outside of that they've been a very progressive and successful nation."

Singapore holds a very special place in the Prime Minister's heart, so he's excited about today's whirlwind one day visit to the nation.

Mr Key lived in the country for one year.

"I'm born on the 9th of August 1961, which happens to be national Singaporean day, so they had a holiday when I was there for my birthday. We haven't quite managed to achieve that in New Zealand."

John Key's son, Max was born in Singapore in 1995.

Image: NZ Herald