Malaysian Defence Minister Reaffirms Warm Defence Relations with Singapore in Introductory Visit

Malaysian Minister of Defence Mohamad Sabu (left) calling on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (right).

Malaysian Minister of Defence Mohamad Sabu called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning. Minister Mohamad, who is in Singapore from 18 October to 20 October 2018, also reviewed a Guard of Honour as part of his introductory visit.

During their meeting, Dr Ng and Minister Mohamad reaffirmed the warm and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Malaysia. They noted the positive trajectory in bilateral defence relations, and affirmed both countries' cooperation on various regional multilateral platforms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus, as well as the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA). They also discussed ways to deal with regional challenges such as strengthening cooperation to tackle the threat of terrorism.

Minister Mohamad also visited the Information Fusion Centre at Changi Naval Base earlier this morning, where he also interacted with Malaysian troops participating in Exercise Bersama Lima. In the afternoon, he visited the 3rd Singapore Division, where he received a brief on the Singapore Army, viewed a static display of Army assets and weapon systems, and embarked on a familiarisation ride on the Light Strike Vehicle Mark II. Minister Mohamad will also call on Acting Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on 20 October 2018.

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.

Minister Mohamad will be attending the 12th ADMM and the 5th ADMM-Plus which Singapore is hosting on 19 October and 20 October 2018 respectively.

Minister Mohamad reviewing the Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence.

Minister Mohamad receiving a brief at the Information Fusion Centre at Changi Naval Base.

Minister Mohamad embarking on a familiarisation ride on the Light Strike Vehicle Mark II during his visit to 3rd Singapore Division.