Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen attended the 11th Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) Defence Ministers' Meeting (FDMM) via video-teleconference this afternoon. Malaysia Senior Minister for Defence Dato Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Australia Minister for Defence Peter Dutton, New Zealand Minister for Defence Peeni Henare, and the United Kingdom Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey, also attended virtually. The FDMM is the FPDA's pinnacle decision-making platform. It is held every three years and hosted alternately by Singapore and Malaysia. This year's FDMM was held in conjunction with the FPDA's 50^th Anniversary.

Since the formation of the FPDA in 1971, FPDA activities have expanded in scope and complexity. At the FDMM, the Ministers discussed ways to deepen existing cooperation in conventional domains, as well as grow collaboration in non-conventional and emerging domains, to ensure that the FPDA remained relevant in addressing contemporary security challenges. The FDMM also discussed the important role of the FPDA in building confidence, promoting a rules-based international order, and providing reassurance amidst a climate of heightened geopolitical tensions.

Delivering his remarks, Dr Ng highlighted member-nations' strong and enduring commitment to the FPDA. He said, "The FPDA has remained relevant, responsive and robust despite a radically changed security environment. The Prime Ministers of our five nations have signalled clearly and strongly the continuing commitment to the FPDA in their congratulatory video. The Joint Declaration and remarks during the Press Conference issued by the Defence Ministers underscore that commitment. The FPDA 50^th Anniversary Stock-take lays out our plans and discrete initiatives for the FPDA, as it enters its sixth decade. Our FPDA exercises and engagements have proceeded smoothly without any country feeling threatened. This open, inclusive and constructive stance creates transparency and builds confidence of others towards the FPDA. I am confident that the FPDA will remain an enduring presence in the region, for many decades to come."

The FPDA marks its 50th Anniversary this year. At a special commemoration segment, Singapore launched a video featuring the Prime Ministers of all five member-nations offering congratulatory remarks. Earlier in the afternoon, the Ministers called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Prime Minister of Malaysia Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob via video-teleconference, during which both Prime Ministers commended member-nations for their steadfast commitment to the FPDA and urged the FPDA to remain a stabiliser for regional peace and security.

The ability to adapt to the changing regional security environment has enabled the FPDA to remain relevant. Through regular exercises, dialogues and platforms for professional interaction, the FPDA will continue to promote regional cooperation and contribute constructively to the regional security architecture.