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

The Minister of Defence of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, called on the Minister for Defence of the Republic of Singapore, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at the Singapore Ministry of Defence earlier today. Dato' Seri Hishammuddin is on his introductory visit to Singapore from 1 to 2 March 2015.

During their meeting, Dr Ng and Dato' Seri Hishammuddin affirmed the long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and Malaysia. Both countries also affirmed the close cooperation between both militaries in non-traditional security areas, such as the recent flood relief efforts in Malaysia. Both Ministers signed a letter of intent to step up cooperation between the defence establishments of both countries, and agreed to encourage more military-to-military exchanges, including intelligence exchanges, to address common security concerns such as the threat of ISIS to the region.

Both Ministers affirmed the value of the Malacca Strait Patrols (MSP) in enhancing the security of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, and discussed ways to take the MSP forward. Dr Ng also reaffirmed Singapore's support for Malaysia's new initiative to enhance naval cooperation through coordinated maritime patrols within each country's own territorial waters.

Both Defence Ministers also reaffirmed their countries' long-standing commitment to the Five Power Defence Arrangements, the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus.

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