Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen met United States (US) Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter over breakfast on the sidelines of the 14th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) today. Secretary Carter also called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana today.

Dr Ng and Secretary Carter reaffirmed the strong and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and the United States, which is founded on the belief that a strong US presence in the Asia-Pacific is vital for regional security. They noted the 10th anniversary of the 2005 Strategic Framework Agreement, which recognised Singapore as a "Major Security Cooperation Partner" of the United States, and affirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation further.

During their meeting, Dr Ng and Secretary Carter discussed a wide range of regional and security issues. Both sides also welcomed the important role played by regional fora such as the SLD and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in facilitating dialogue and promoting practical cooperation among key stakeholders in the region.

Secretary Carter is attending the SLD for the first time in his capacity as Secretary of Defense, and is leading a delegation of senior US officials including Commander of the United States Pacific Command (US PACOM) Admiral (ADM) Harry Harris. A five-member congressional delegation, led by Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Senator John McCain, is also attending the SLD.