New Zealand Minister of Defence Makes Official Visit

Minister for Defence Dr Ng meeting with New Zealand Minister of Defence Dr Coleman, who is on an official visit to Singapore from 29 to 30 August 2013.

New Zealand Minister of Defence Dr Jonathan Coleman, who is on an official visit to Singapore from 29 to 30 August 2013, met with Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen this afternoon. As part of his programme, Dr Coleman will also visit 126 Squadron of the Republic of Singapore Air Force at Sembawang Air Base in the afternoon.

During their meeting, Dr Ng and Dr Coleman reaffirmed the strong bilateral defence relations between both countries. Both Ministers also reaffirmed the role of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus as a platform for Defence Ministers to exchange views on key security challenges facing the region and beyond.

Dr Coleman's visit underscores the close and long-standing defence ties between Singapore and New Zealand. Both defence establishments cooperate multilaterally under the auspices of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ADMM-Plus, and both armed forces interact regularly through training exercises, professional exchanges, visits and military courses. These interactions have enhanced the interoperability and mutual understanding among the personnel of the two armed forces.

Dr Coleman on board a Super Puma helicopter as part of his visit to 126 Squadron of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). On his left is Colonel Jonathan Tan, Commander of the RSAF's Participation Command.