Minister for Defence attends Defence Dialogue in Indonesia

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen speaking at the Jakarta International Defense Dialogue.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen is in Jakarta, Indonesia to attend the 3rd Jakarta International Defense Dialogue (JIDD) held from 20-21 March 2013. Hosted by Indonesia's Ministry of Defence and organised by the Indonesian Defense University, the JIDD is attended by defence ministers, military officers, academics and policy makers from around the world to discuss defence and security issues.

Earlier today, Dr Ng spoke at the first plenary session on "The Rise of Asia and New Geopolitics in the Asia-Pacific Region". In his speech, Dr Ng highlighted that Asia's economic progress and military modernisation must be situated within a stable regional architecture that promotes stability. ASEAN member states must thus strengthen efforts to build trust and goodwill, and continue to forge strategic dialogue and practical cooperation. Dr Ng also emphasised that Asian countries' growth and prosperity hinged on interdependence within Asia and with the rest of the world, and said that "we must all do our part to protect and strengthen the global commons of security, trade and the environment."

While in Indonesia, Dr Ng also met with several foreign dignitaries, including Indonesian Defence Minister Dr Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Malaysian Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Bruneian Deputy Defence Minister Mustappa Sirat, US Deputy Secretary of Defence Dr Ashton Carter and The People's Liberation Army Deputy Chief of General Staff Lieutenant-General Qi Jianguo.

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Speech by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at the 3rd Jakarta International Defense Dialogue (JIDD)