Ministers Agree on Stronger Security Cooperation

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (fifth from right) hosting the Ministerial Roundtable at the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted visiting Ministers and their representatives to a Roundtable discussion today at the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD). The Ministerial Roundtable has been a regular feature of the SLD since it was initiated in 2002. The Ministers exchanged views on a wide range of issues including the developments on the Korean Peninsula, the threat of terrorism and possible counter measures, as well as Asia Pacific's evolving security architecture. 

Noting recent developments on the Korean Peninsula, the Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ensure continued peace and stability in the region, and to manage tensions on the ground. They expressed hope for the peaceful de-nuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and continued international engagement with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. 

The Ministers recognised that the scourge of terrorism transcends geographical boundaries and more needs to be done to protect their citizens. The Ministers underscored the need to further strengthen counter-terrorism in a comprehensive and whole-of-government manner. They also agreed on the value of strengthening national defences through greater emphasis on education and counter-violent extremism messaging. 

In light of the geopolitical changes within the Asia-Pacific region, the Ministers reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN's continued security cooperation with major powers such as the United States and China, and with other extra-regional players, to preserve peace and stability in the region.