Minister Ng Encourages the US to Maintain Commitment to Asia

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (second from right) hosting a breakfast for the United States (US) congressional delegation led by Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and Senior Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Senator James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma) (second from left).

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted a United States (US) congressional delegation led by Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and Senior Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Senator James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma) to breakfast this morning. The delegation comprised Senator Michael B. Enzi (R-Wyoming), Senator Michael Rounds (R-South Dakota), Representative Randy Hultgren (R-Illinois), Representative Tim Walberg (R-Michigan) and Representative Reid Ribble (R-Wisconsin).

During the meeting, Dr Ng and the congressional delegation affirmed the excellent and longstanding defence relationship between Singapore and the US to maintain stability and security in Asia. Dr Ng welcomed the US' continued leadership and presence in the Asia-Pacific and spoke about the Trans-Pacific Partnership as a vital tool to strengthen US engagement of the region. The congressional delegation and Dr Ng also discussed the wide range of bilateral defence cooperation, including the Singapore Armed Force (SAF)'s contributions to counter-terrorism efforts in the Middle East, as well as the US' support for the SAF's training in the US.

The congressional delegation is visiting Singapore from 17 to 18 February 2016.