Joint Press Statement from Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence of the Republic of Singapore, and GEN (Rtd) Ryamizard Ryacudu, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia

The Indonesian Minister of Defence, GEN (Rtd) Ryamizard Ryacudu, visited Singapore from 28 to 30 January 2015. During his visit, he met Singapore's Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and discussed ways to strengthen the defence relationship between Singapore and Indonesia.

GEN (Rtd) Ryamizard and Dr Ng reaffirmed the long-standing cooperation and friendship between both Armed Forces. All three services of the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) - army, air force and navy - have substantive engagements and joint exercises.

Both Defence Ministers expressed the desire to further strengthen bilateral defence ties. Four new initiatives were agreed upon:

First, to step up collaboration and practical cooperation through existing linkages between both Armed Forces in common security concerns, such as maritime security and anti-piracy, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

Second, to increase bilateral interactions between officials in the defence ministries and military officers through joint training and course participation in each other's institutions.

Third, to conduct regular dialogues between senior officials in the defence ministries on regional and strategic issues of mutual interest to both countries.

Fourth, to explore new initiatives built on military-to-military joint interactions which have brought much mutual benefit to both the TNI and SAF.

More Resources

• Indonesian Defence Minister Makes Introductory Visit to Singapore