Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen is in Germany to attend the 50th Munich Security Conference (MSC). An annual high-level security conference, the MSC brings together foreign affairs and defence leaders and officials from around the world. The conference, held from 31 Jan to 2 Feb 2014, is attended by heads of government, defence and foreign ministers, parliamentarians, military leaders and security experts. 

Topics discussed during the conference include the ongoing security developments in Syria, Iran and the Middle East; the impact of global powers on regional stability; the changing geopolitical relationship between Europe, the US and Asia; the future of European defence; and emerging areas with implications to international security, including cybersecurity. 

As part of his programme, Dr Ng spoke at the 6th Munich Young Leaders Round Table on Security Policy earlier today on the topic of "Peace and Security in the Asia-Pacific: Perils and Prospects". The Munich Young Leaders Round Table, brings together young leaders from governments, think-tanks and the private sector from the US, Europe, the Middle-East as well as selected Asia-Pacific countries to discuss issues related to foreign and security policy. Highlighting the need for strategic trust to ensure Asia's security amid rapid and deep changes, Dr Ng suggested three elements to build this trust: positive engagement, dialogue leading to practical cooperation; and political will and leadership. Dr Ng said "these three elements form the basis for an inclusive and robust regional security architecture."

Dr Ng also held bilateral meetings with a number of leaders, including Indian National Security Advisor, Shivshankar Menon, Italian Minister of Defence Mario Mauro and UK Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond. Dr Ng also attended a standing luncheon hosted by the German Minister of Defence Dr Ursula von der Leyen. Dr Ng will be meeting Chinese Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress Fu Ying later today.