Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted a United States (US) congressional delegation, led by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and Senate Republican Policy Chairman Senator Roy Blunt (R-Missouri), to tea this morning. The congressional delegation also included Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan), Senator Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), Senator Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Representative Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma-4), and Representative Jason Smith (R-Missouri-8).

During the session, Dr Ng and the congressional delegation reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and the US. Noting the strong bilateral defence cooperation across the military-to-military and technology spheres, Dr Ng thanked the US for its continued support for the Singapore Armed Forces' overseas training as well as access to US technology. The congressional delegation expressed gratitude for Singapore's long-standing support for US' presence in the region. Both sides also discussed geopolitical developments and the importance of the US' continued regional presence and engagement. 

The congressional delegation is visiting Singapore from 6 to 8 August 2019. As part of the visit, the congressional delegation also called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 6 August.