United States (US) Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is in Singapore to attend the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD). Secretary Austin called on Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong at the Istana today. The call was also attended by Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How.

PM Wong and Secretary Austin reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and the US, and discussed our ongoing bilateral defence initiatives. They exchanged views on geopolitical developments and the regional security architecture, and reiterated their shared commitment to stability and prosperity in the region. Secretary Austin 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.