Singapore and Germany to step up Defence Cooperation

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (right) at the Joint Press Conference with German Federal Minister of Defence Dr Ursula von der Leyen.

German Federal Minister of Defence Dr Ursula von der Leyen called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Singapore Ministry of Defence today. Both Ministers also held a joint press conference after their meeting. Dr von der Leyen is on her first official visit to Singapore from 28 to 31 May 2015, to attend the 14^th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD). Dr von der Leyen will also call on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana tomorrow.

During their meeting, Dr Ng and Dr von der Leyen noted that 2015 marked the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Germany. They affirmed the importance of bilateral defence relations, with Dr von der Leyen describing Singapore as a "key partner" for Germany. In their discussions, Dr Ng and Dr von der Leyen touched on several security issues of mutual interest, including military modernisation, counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. They expressed a firm commitment to strengthen and expand bilateral defence cooperation and training exercises, which have benefited the defence establishments of Singapore and Germany.

Dr Ng also conveyed Singapore's appreciation for Germany's support for the Singapore Armed Forces' training in Germany since 2009, which includes an annual bilateral live-firing exercise between both armies.

Singapore and Germany enjoy regular defence interactions across multiple areas, such as high-level visits, military exchanges, professional courses, policy dialogues and technology collaboration. Both countries signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement in September 2005 to formalise defence interactions.

Dr von der Leyen calling on Dr Ng at the Ministry of Defence.

Dr von der Leyen inspecting the Guard of Honour.

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