Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen met with Republic of Korea's Minister of National Defense Song Youngmoo at the Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense earlier this morning. 

During the meeting, both ministers reaffirmed the warm bilateral defence relations between both countries and exchanged views on the regional security situation. Mr Song updated Dr Ng on the recent developments in the Korean Peninsula. In addition, Dr Ng and Mr Song reaffirmed their cooperation in the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), where Mr Song conveyed his support for Singapore's Chairmanship deliverables, including the proposed guidelines on air encounters between military aircraft. 

The meeting reflects the warm and friendly bilateral defence relationship between the Republic of Korea and Singapore. The Singapore Armed Forces and the Republic of Korea Armed Forces interact regularly through professional dialogues, cross-attendance of courses and seminars, and at multilateral exercises and forums.

As part of the programme, Dr Ng also visited the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) this afternoon. He received a briefing by the United Nations Military Armistice Commission on the multinational security efforts in the DMZ.

Earlier in January this year, Mr Song conducted an introductory visit to Singapore and was hosted by Dr Ng. During the visit, Mr Song also gave the Keynote Address at the 6th edition of the International Institute of Strategic Studies Fullerton Forum: The Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting.