Singapore and the US Strengthen Defence Relations Through Strategic Security Policy Dialogue

Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit (second from right) co-chairing the 8th US-Singapore Strategic Security Policy Dialogue with US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms Christine Wormuth (second from left).

US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms Christine Wormuth co-chaired the eighth US-Singapore Strategic Security Policy Dialogue (SSPD) with Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit at Changi Naval Base earlier today.

During the dialogue, both Ms Wormuth and Mr Chan reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relationship. The dialogue focused on the importance of the US' commitment to the region and the need to continue close cooperation in addressing global security threats. The dialogue also examined ways to further strengthen the defence relationship through new areas for bilateral cooperation.

As part of her visit to Singapore from 1 to 3 April 2015, Ms Wormuth called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence yesterday. She also delivered a public lecture titled “The US-Singapore Defence Relationship: A Shared Commitment to Peace and Prosperity in the Asia-Pacific Region” at the Marina Mandarin Hotel as part of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Distinguished Public Lecture series. During the lecture, she reaffirmed the US' commitment to its rebalance to the Asia-Pacific, and to peace and prosperity in the region. She said, "Today as a resonant power in Asia, the United States is helping to build on [the] past seven decades of peace and security. We are all working hard with our friends and allies in the region to validate our continued commitment to the Asia-Pacific."

This year marks the 10th year since the signing of the 2005 Strategic Framework Agreement recognising Singapore as a "Major Security Cooperation Partner" of the US. Since then, bilateral cooperation has made good progress over the military, technology and policy domains. In addition to high-level bilateral interactions and exchanges, the US and Singapore militaries train together regularly and participate in joint military exercises and international operations. The US has provided strong support for Singapore's military training detachments stationed in the US, such as Singapore's F-15 and F-16 fighter units, and Apache and Chinook helicopter units. The opportunity to train alongside the US military has strengthened the operational readiness and capability of the Singapore Armed Forces. There has also been substantive defence technology cooperation, including cooperation in research and development.

Singapore and the US are working together in Operation Inherent Resolve, the US-led multinational effort to counter the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), as well as in international counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. Singapore is also part of the US-led Proliferation Security Initiative, which aims to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

Ms Wormuth calling on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence.

Ms Wormuth delivering a public lecture as part of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Distinguished Public Lecture series.

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