Transcript of Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Neo Kian Hong's Opening Remarks at the Joint Press Conference for the FPDA Defence Chiefs' Conference

Good morning.

Before I start, let me introduce my colleagues, who are here on the panel with me. On my right is Air Chief Marshal Allan Grant Houston from Australia and General Tan Sri Dato' Sri Azizan bin Ariffin from Malaysia. On my left is Lieutenant General Jeremiah Mateparae from New Zealand and General Sir David Richards from the United Kingdom. On behalf of the FPDA Defence Chiefs, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you. The Defence Chiefs and I have just conducted the 13th FPDA Defence Chiefs' Conference. Let me give you an overview of the FPDA and what we had discussed during the conference, and after that we can take any questions that you may have. Strategic Importance and Relevance of the FPDA.

The FPDA was formed 39 years ago, in 1971. Over the years, the FPDA has evolved to remain relevant in the changing regional security environment. In particular, the conduct of regular FPDA exercises and activities has helped to strengthen military cooperation and improve interoperability among the FPDA defence forces. They have also helped to enhance mutual understanding and foster friendships among the personnel of the FPDA defence forces.

Discussion during FDCC

During the conference this morning, my colleagues and I reaffirmed our countries' continued strong commitment to the FPDA. We exchanged views on the latest developments in the regional security environment, and also discussed ways to achieve greater professionalism and "jointness" in future FPDA exercises and activities. Our discussion sets a strong foundation for the FPDA as we look ahead to the Arrangements' 40th anniversary next year.

To guide the professional development of FPDA exercises, we have issued the FPDA Exercise Concept Directive, or FECD in short, during the conference. The FECD provides guidance on the training arrangements of large-scale FPDA Field Training exercises and Command Post exercises such as Exercise BERSAMA PADU, which is currently being conducted in Malaysia, as well as Exercise BERSAMA LIMA and Exercise SUMAN PROTECTOR, which will be conducted in Singapore in 2011 and 2012 respectively. These combined and joint FPDA exercises involve personnel and assets from the five FPDA member countries.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, with the strong commitment and support of the FPDA member countries, my colleagues and I are confident that the FPDA will remain an important part of our regional security architecture. As I mentioned earlier, the FPDA is celebrating its 40th Anniversary next year, which is a significant milestone that attests to the success and the continuing relevance of the FPDA in the years ahead.

With that, I would like to invite any questions you may have on the FDCC.

More Resources

Singapore Hosts 13th FPDA Defence Chiefs' Conference