Singapore’s Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen met the incoming 2019 ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus Chair Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence General (GEN) Prawit Wongsuwan ahead of the 5th ADMM-Plus tomorrow. During the meeting, Dr Ng and GEN Prawit reaffirmed their countries’ strong bilateral defence ties, and agreed to work closely together to ensure continuity in defence cooperation across Chairmanships. 

Dr Ng also met the new Australian Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne and reaffirmed the close and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Australia. They welcomed the good progress made in strengthening defence cooperation, including the joint development of training areas and advanced training facilities, under the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

In addition, Dr Ng met Brunei Minister of Defence II Major-General (Rtd) Haji Awang Halbi, Indonesian Minister of Defence GEN (Rtd) Ryamizard Ryacudu, Japanese Minister of Defense Takeshi Iwaya, and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana, and reaffirmed strong bilateral defence ties between Singapore and the respective countries.

Later this evening, Dr Ng will host a Gala Dinner for the ADMM-Plus Defence Ministers ahead of the 5th ADMM-Plus tomorrow.