Australia and Singapore Discuss Plans to Enhance Bilateral Defence Cooperation on Sidelines of 14th Shangri-La Dialogue

Australia Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews (left) calling on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence.

Australia Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence this afternoon on the sidelines of his visit for the 14th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD). During their meeting, Dr Ng thanked Mr Andrews for Australia's strong support for the SAF's training in Shoalwater Bay Training Area over the past 25 years. They reaffirmed the broad and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Australia, and discussed plans to enhance defence cooperation under the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)[1]. As part of his visit, Mr Andrews will also call on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana tomorrow.

Dr Ng met with People's Liberation Army (PLA) Deputy Chief of General Staff (DCGS) Admiral Sun Jianguo today. Both sides reaffirmed their warm and friendly ties, and had a candid exchange on bilateral and regional issues.

Dr Ng also held meetings with ministers and senior officials from Australia, Cambodia, China, Germany and the United States today. This year's Dialogue is attended by some 26 ministerial-level delegates, as well as senior defence officials and academics from 33 countries.

[1] The Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will conclude this year, marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Mr Andrews inspecting the Guard of Honour.

Dr Ng meeting with People's Liberation Army Deputy Chief of General Staff Admiral Sun Jianguo on the sidelines of the 14th Shangri-La Dialogue.

Dr Ng meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense General Tea Banh on the sidelines of the 14th Shangri-La Dialogue.

Dr Ng meeting with Commander of the United States Pacific Command Admiral Harry Harris on the sidelines of the 14th Shangri-La Dialogue.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (left) meeting with Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Han Minkoo at the Istana dinner held in conjunction with the 14th Shangri-La Dialogue.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen speaking with Australia Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews (left) and United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon at the Opening Reception of the 14th Shangri-La Dialogue on 29 May 2015.

Dr Ng speaking with a Chinese delegate at the Opening Reception of the 14th Shangri-La Dialogue on 29 May 2015. On his left is People’s Liberation Army Deputy Chief of General Staff Admiral Sun Jianguo.

Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong, the keynote speaker, with People's Liberation Army Deputy Chief of General Staff Admiral Sun Jianguo at the Opening Reception of the 14th Shangri-La Dialogue.

PM Lee, the keynote speaker, with Malaysian Minister of Defence Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin bin Tun Hussein at the Opening Reception of the 14th Shangri-La Dialogue on 29 May 2015.

More Resources

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• Speech by Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the 14th Shangri-La Dialogue

• Transcript of Keynote Speech by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Shangri-La Dialogue on 29 May 2015

• Fact Sheet: Ministers and Senior Officials who met with Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen 30 May 2015