Malaysian Defence Minister Reaffirms Warm Relations with Singapore in Introductory Visit

Malaysian Minister for Defence, Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, inspecting the Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence.

Malaysian Minister for Defence, Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen this morning. Dato' Seri Hishammuddin, who is in Singapore for an introductory visit from 1 to 2 March 2015, also inspected a Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence. After the call, both Ministers signed a Letter of Intent to enhance the good cooperation between both defence establishments, and reaffirm both countries' commitment to multilateral frameworks such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus.

The Letter of Intent also demonstrates the commitment of both defence establishments to cooperate in the domain of maritime security. In this regard, both countries affirmed support for Malaysia's proposal to enhance naval cooperation through coordinated maritime patrols within each country's own territorial waters. Both Ministers also released a Joint Statement to further affirm the close cooperation between both militaries in non-traditional security areas, military-to-military exchanges to address regional security concerns, and the value of the Malacca Strait Patrol in enhancing the security of the Straits of Malaysia and Singapore.

As part of his visit, Dato' Seri Hishammuddin also called on Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana, and will call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Mr Teo Chee Hean at the Ministry of Home Affairs. He also toured Headquarters 3rd Singapore Division.

Dato' Seri Hishammuddin's visit underscores the warm and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia. The Singapore Armed Forces and Malaysian Armed Forces share a long history of mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as cooperation at multilateral fora like the FPDA, ADMM and ADMM-Plus. The two armed forces interact regularly through bilateral and multilateral exercises, visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses. These interactions have contributed significantly towards deepening the mutual understanding and camaraderie among the officers and men from both armed forces.

Dato' Seri Hishammuddin calling on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen.

Both Defence Ministers at the signing ceremony for the Letter of Intent.

Dato' Seri Hishammuddin being briefed before embarking on a familiarisation ride in a Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle.

More Resources

• Joint Statement from Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Malaysia Minister of Defence Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein