United States (US) Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is in Singapore to attend the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD). Secretary Hegseth called on Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong at the Istana today. The call was also attended by Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad. Secretary Hegseth is the first Cabinet official from the current US administration to meet PM Wong.

PM Wong and Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the excellent and longstanding bilateral defence relations between Singapore and the US. They exchanged views on geopolitical developments and regional security issues, and reiterated their shared commitment to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Secretary Hegseth affirmed the US' continued support for the Singapore Armed Forces' training in the US, and PM Wong emphasised Singapore's longstanding support for the US' regional presence.