Minister for Defence Delivers Keynote Address at Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen speaking at the second IISS Fullerton Forum: The Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen delivered the Keynote Address at the second International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Fullerton Forum: The Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting at the Fullerton Hotel this morning.

Addressing an audience of defence officials, senior military officers and academics, Dr Ng spoke about seeking common ground amid national aspirations. During his speech, Dr Ng highlighted that to maintain and promote peace and stability, "we should put away our differences to steer the region away from conflict and towards mutual interest and common norms acceptable to all". Dr Ng cited redoubling efforts in engagement and diplomacy to build mutual trust, fostering positive engagement through an open and inclusive regional security architecture and practical cooperation as three principles to build strategic trust.

Organised by IISS, the Sherpa Meeting strengthens the Shangri-La Dialogue process by providing an inter-sessional platform for delegates to engage in frank discussions on current defence and security issues. Widely recognised as a key inter-governmental regional security summit, the Shangri-La Dialogue is the only forum that brings together defence ministers, senior officials and security experts from across the Asia-Pacific region for discussions on regional defence and security issues.

Held from 12 to 14 January 2014, about 60 delegates from countries regularly represented at the Shangri-la Dialogue are participating in this year's Sherpa Meeting.