Singapore and Indonesian Defence Ministers Reaffirm Close Defence Ties

Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen (right) and Indonesian Defence Minister General (GEN) (Rtd) Ryamizard Ryacudu (left) exchanging a warm handshake before their meeting.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen met Indonesian Defence Minister General (GEN) (Rtd) Ryamizard Ryacudu earlier this afternoon. During their meeting, the Ministers reaffirmed the close and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Indonesia and Singapore, and discussed ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation. They also discussed regional security issues, such as tensions in the South China Sea and terrorism.

Dr Ng commended GEN (Rtd) Ryamizard for his leadership in addressing regional security challenges and both Ministers agreed on the importance of increased cooperation against the threat of terrorism. Dr Ng also reiterated an offer to provide information for the Sulu Sea Patrols through the Information Fusion Centre (IFC). Both defence establishments interact regularly through exercises, visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses.

These interactions enhance mutual understanding and camaraderie between the two militaries. Singapore and Indonesia also interact at multilateral forums such as the Shangri-La Dialogue, the ASEAN Defence Minister's Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus.