The Australian Chief of Navy Vice Admiral (VADM) Michael Noonan called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this afternoon. During their meeting, Dr Ng and VADM Noonan reaffirmed the long-standing bilateral defence relations and the good progress made in deepening the relationship between the two navies, such as through the upcoming naval exercises – Exercise Singaroo and Exercise Kakadu. They also discussed both sides' continued efforts towards enhancing bilateral cooperation in regional maritime security. 

VADM Noonan, who is on his introductory visit to Singapore from 15 to 17 August 2018, also called on Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong and Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lew Chuen Hong, and reviewed a Guard of Honour at MINDEF today. Earlier this morning, at Changi Naval Base, VADM Noonan visited the Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre, and viewed the Unmanned Surface Vessels used for mine countermeasure operations. VADM Noonan will also be speaking at the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College as part of the Distinguished Speakers' Programme later this afternoon.

VADM Noonan's visit underscores the close and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Australia. The Singapore Armed Forces and the Australian Defence Force share a long history of military cooperation in the form of bilateral and multilateral training exercises, operational cooperation, visits, professional exchanges and the cross-attendance of courses. These interactions have yielded significant professional benefits and enhanced the interoperability between the two armed forces.