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Joint Ministerial Statement of the 12th FPDA Defence Ministers' Meeting in Singapore 31 May 2024
31 May 2024
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The Defence Ministers of Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom met on 31 May 2024 for the 12th Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) Defence Ministers' Meeting.
The Ministers reaffirmed their nations' strong and continued commitment to the FPDA, and noted that the FPDA is a unique multilateral arrangement that, through its remit, has played a constructive role in enhancing regional peace and security.
The Ministers welcomed the FPDA's progress and achievements, which have been steadily built up over 53 years since its founding in 1971. The Ministers discussed developments in the regional security environment. They agreed that the FPDA has continued to build trust and interoperability among the militaries of member-nations, promote respect for international law, and contribute to peace and security in the region.
The Ministers commended the successful conduct of the recent Exercise Bersama Lima in October 2023, and Exercise Bersama Shield from April to May 2024. Noting that the scope and complexity of FPDA exercises have grown over the decades, the Ministers discussed ways for the militaries to further enhance the professional value of exercises while retaining their emphasis on high-end conventional exercise serials. The Ministers noted that such continuous enhancements ensures that the FPDA remains relevant in a changing regional security environment. The ideas discussed include incorporating next generation capabilities, including F-35 fighter jets from Australia, P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from New Zealand, and elements of the Carrier Strike Group from the UK, as well as unmanned systems and non-traditional security scenarios, as part of the exercises.
The Ministers launched the official website of the FPDA (https://www.fivepowerdefencearrangements.org), in line with efforts to enhance the transparency of the FPDA and promote reassurance and greater awareness about the purpose, founding principles, and key activities of the FPDA.
The Ministers exchanged views on the future of the FPDA to ensure its continued relevance to the needs of its members amid the changing strategic environment. The Ministers affirmed that the FPDA's governance structure would continue to serve as valuable platforms to support member-nations' decision-making, create opportunities to move forward together positively, and find solutions to future challenges.
As part of the 12th FPDA Defence Ministers' Meeting proceedings, the Ministers will call on the Prime Minister of Singapore His Excellency Mr. Lawrence Wong at the Istana.
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