Australia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles is in Singapore to attend the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD). He also met Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen this evening.

Mr Marles and Dr Ng reaffirmed Singapore and Australia's close and long-standing bilateral defence relationship and noted the enhanced defence cooperation between both defence establishments under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During the meeting, Dr Ng expressed appreciation for Australia's support for the Singapore Armed Forces' training in Australia. Both sides expressed continued emphasis on the joint development of training areas and advanced training facilities in Queensland which will benefit both armed forces, through an increase in training capacity and more sophisticated training opportunities.

The Ministers also reaffirmed the value of multilateral groupings such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus in contributing towards a regional order that is robust, rules-based, open, and inclusive.

Mr Marles is in Singapore with a delegation of senior Australian officials, including Australian Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell and Secretary of the Department of Defence Greg Moriarty.