US Secretary of Defence Reaffirms Strong Ties During Call with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (left) calling on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (right) at the Istana on the sidelines of the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue this afternoon.

United States (US) Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is in Singapore for an official visit and to attend the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD). Secretary Austin called on Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana today. The call was also attended by Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad.

PM Lee and Secretary Austin reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and the US. They exchanged views on geopolitical developments and regional security issues, and agreed on the importance of the US' continued engagement of the region. PM Lee expressed appreciation for the US' long-standing support for the Singapore Armed Forces' training in the US. PM Lee and Secretary Austin also acknowledged the positive trajectory of bilateral defence relations that has expanded into new areas of cooperation.