Minister for Defence and US Congressional Delegations Reaffirm Strong and Long-Standing Bilateral Defence Relations

Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida) (left) called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (right) on 4 August 2023.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen met two United States (US) Congressional delegations over the past week.

On 4 August 2023, Dr Ng met a US Congressional delegation led by Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida). They discussed a range of geopolitical developments and regional security challenges.

Earlier today, Dr Ng hosted another US Congressional delegation led by House Armed Services Committee Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee Chair Representative Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) to lunch. Also in attendance were Representatives Rob Wittman (R-Virginia), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tennessee), Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), Robert Aderholt (R-Alabama), Claudia Tenney (R-New York), and Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas). Dr Ng and the Congressional delegation exchanged views on strengthening the regional security architecture to promote constructive dialogue and tackle common challenges.

During the two sessions, Dr Ng reaffirmed the strong and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and the US, and thanked both Congressional delegations for the US' continued support for the Singapore Armed Forces' overseas training in the US as well as the acquisition of advanced US platforms. The two Congressional delegations expressed appreciation to Singapore for its long-standing support for the US' presence in the region, particularly for facilitating the US' use of facilities in Singapore.

Dr Ng (third from left) hosted the United States Congressional delegation led by House Armed Services Committee Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee Chair Representative Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) (third from right) to lunch this afternoon.