Singapore and Malaysia Agree to Strengthen Existing Bilateral Defence Relationship

03 Jun 2018

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen meeting with newly-appointed Malaysian Minister of Defence Mohamad Sabu on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen met newly-appointed Malaysian Minister of Defence Mohamad Sabu on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) today, in their first official meeting. This is Mr Mohamad's inaugural visit to Singapore as the Malaysian Minister of Defence.

During their meeting, Dr Ng and Mr Mohamad affirmed the warm and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia. They noted the good progress made in bilateral defence relations, such as the recent conduct of a new bilateral exercise between the two Air Forces. In addition, Dr Ng and Mr Mohamad affirmed both countries' cooperation in various regional multilateral platforms, such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus, and the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA). They also discussed regional challenges such as the situation in the Rakhine State.

Singapore and Malaysia's defence establishments interact regularly across a wide range of activities, which includes bilateral exercises, visits and exchanges, cross-attendance of courses, as well as multilateral activities. These regular interactions strengthen mutual understanding and professional ties among the personnel of both defence establishments, and underscore the warm and long-standing defence ties between both countries.

Mr Mohamad is visiting Singapore from 1 to 3 June 2018 to attend the 17th SLD. As part of his visit, he also called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean. He also met the FPDA Defence Ministers at an informal breakfast hosted by Dr Ng.