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Minister for Defence Meets with US Secretary of Defense
13 December 2013
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Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen meeting with United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. yesterday.
Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen met with his counterpart United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. yesterday (Singapore time).
During the meeting, Secretary Hagel and Dr Ng discussed ways to address regional tensions and how partners can enhance cooperation and build mutual confidence. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of a strong US presence in the Asia-Pacific to enhance regional stability and security. Dr Ng and Secretary Hagel also released a Joint Statement following their meeting underscoring the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between the US and Singapore, and the good progress of cooperative initiatives, such as the rotational deployment of the USN's Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) to Singapore.
At a Joint Press Conference with Secretary Hagel, Dr Ng said, "I welcome Secretary Hagel's reassurance and reaffirmation of America's commitment to the Asia Pacific. I reminded Secretary Hagel that Singapore has been explicit in our position that America's presence in the Asia Pacific in the last 50 years has been a critical force for stability and progress for many of the emerging economies." Secretary Hagel added during the Joint Press Conference that the US will stand by its allies and partners in the Asia Pacific. Secretary Hagel said, "The US remains committed to the re-balance of the Asia Pacific in every way and to our important partnership with Singapore. I look forward to continuing to work with Dr Ng to advance our friendship, our common interests and ensure a more secure and prosperous future for both of our nations in the Asia Pacific."
While in Washington D.C., Dr Ng will deliver a speech to an audience of officials and strategic thinkers at an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies later today (Singapore time). Dr Ng met with Deputy Secretary of State Mr William Burns and Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus yesterday and will be meeting with Senator John McCain, National Security Advisor Dr Susan Rice, Former US Ambassador to Singapore and Former Governor of Utah Jon Huntsman later today (Singapore time).
Prior to his visit to Washington D.C., Dr Ng visited Exercise Forging Sabre in Phoenix, Arizona where he witnessed an integrated live-firing and the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Republic of Singapore Air Forces' Peace Carvin II F-16 detachment. Since the signing of the Strategic Framework Agreement in July 2005, which provided the foundation for broad-base defence cooperation between Singapore and the US, both militaries have interacted regularly through joint exercises, operations, training and technological collaboration.
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