Common Goals and Principles Vital for Regional Stability: Singapore Minister for Defence at 4th Putrajaya Forum

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today to attend the 15th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA) and 4th Putrajaya Forum.

Dr Ng spoke at a plenary session at the Putrajaya Forum on the topic of "Major Power Influence and Regional Security Architecture", alongside Turkish Deputy Minister of National Defence Şuay Alpay. In his speech, Dr Ng commended the progress made by the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) since its formation in 2006, and highlighted the importance of anchoring the ADMM on a set of key principles and common goals for the ADMM to remain relevant. He said, "These goals and principles provide for the common good of all and are able to withstand or surmount episodic challenges by continuing engagement between the members and with other partners."

Dr Ng proposed three key principles: respect for the "independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity" of each ASEAN member state; cooperation on a "voluntary, non-binding and flexible basis"; and an" open and inclusive regional security architecture with ASEAN at the centre". Dr Ng also said that ADMM and its partners could work towards common goals such as enhancing "regional peace and stability through dialogue and practical cooperation", as well as creating and abiding by" a common set of mechanisms, protocols and norms that guide behaviour in this region". As an example of countries' commitment to practical cooperation, Dr Ng noted that Singapore would co-host the ADMM-Plus Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism exercise, involving all ten ASEAN countries and eight key partners, in May 2016.

As part of his programme, Dr Ng called on Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, and Minister of Defence Dato' Seri Hishammuddin bin Tun Hussein. The Ministers reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties and expressed commitment to deepen the bilateral defence relationship through more interactions at all levels. Dr Ng also had a meeting with Timor-Leste Minister of Defence and Security Cirilo Jose Cristovão.

Organised by the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security, the Putrajaya Forum brings together Defence Ministers, officials and academics to discuss defence and security issues. It is held in conjunction with the DSA, which takes place biennially. Chief of Defence Force Major-General Perry Lim, Chief of Army Brigadier-General Melvyn Ong, and other senior MINDEF/SAF officers are part of the Singapore delegation attending the Putrajaya Forum.

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Speech by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at 4th Putrajaya Forum