Dr Ng Calls for Stronger International Cooperation to Fight Against Terrorism

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen speaking at the fifth plenary session of the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue.

Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen spoke at the fifth plenary of the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) today on the topic "Pursuing Common Security Objectives", alongside Canadian Minister of National Defence Harjit Singh Sajjan, and Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Anatoly Antonov.

In his speech titled "Regional Security Challenges 15 Years On - Same Plot, Different Cast", Dr Ng noted that the US-China relationship and global terrorism continue to take centre-stage in the world today, 15 years after then-Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew highlighted the same security challenges during his keynote address at the inaugural Shangri-La Dialogue in 2002. Speaking about how terrorism remained a clear and present threat with the potential to destabilise the region if not tackled decisively and together, Dr Ng said, "The threat will grow if terrorist groups become more organised to mount sophisticated, large-scale attacks with deadlier weapons." He called for countries to "work closely together to build up joint responses, and strengthen intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance efforts."

Earlier in the day, Dr Ng met with Kuwait President of National Security Bureau Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah. This is Sheikh Thamer's first time to the Shangri-La Dialogue. Dr Ng and Sheikh Thamer reaffirmed the warm and friendly ties between Singapore and Kuwait. Dr Ng also expressed appreciation for Kuwait's support for the SAF's deployments to the multinational coalition against ISIS. Both Ministers exchanged views on security developments in the Middle East and agreed on the importance of greater cooperation to address the threat of terrorism.

On the sidelines of the SLD, Dr Ng also hosted French Minister of Defence Jean-Yves Le Drian to breakfast, and met with Indonesian Minister of Defense General (Retd) Ryamizard Ryacudu, during which both Ministers reaffirmed the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia.

As the SLD marks its 15th year, the International Institute for Strategic Studies has introduced a new element with the inaugural Southeast Asian Young Leaders' Programme, which brought together young leaders from the business, media, academic and government sectors in Southeast Asia with strong interest in regional defence and security issues at the Dialogue. As part of the programme, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan attended the Southeast Asian Young Leaders' Programme lunch today and delivered the opening remarks.

Dr Ng (right) hosting a breakfast for the French Minister of Defence Jean-Yves Le Drian on the sidelines of the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue.

Dr Ng (right) meeting with the Indonesian Minister of Defense General (Retd) Ryamizard Ryacudu on the sidelines of the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue.

Dr Ng (left) meeting with the Kuwaiti President of the National Security Bureau Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah on the sidelines of the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue.

Dr Ng hosting a closing ministerial luncheon, attended by Ministers and their representatives, on the sidelines of the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue.