Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen met the United States (US) Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan in a bilateral call earlier today¹ on the sidelines of the 55th Munich Security Conference (MSC)². 

During the call, both sides reaffirmed the breadth and depth of the bilateral defence relationship, and discussed ways to enhance the defence cooperation between the two countries. Secretary Shanahan welcomed Singapore's announcement of the US' F-35 Joint Strike Fighter as the most suitable replacement for the Republic of Singapore Air Force's F-16 aircraft. Dr Ng and Secretary Shanahan also exchanged views on regional and international security issues, and the US' plans and priorities for engaging the Asia-Pacific and ASEAN. 

Dr Ng's meeting with Secretary Shanahan underscores the excellent and long-standing defence ties between both countries. Both armed forces interact regularly through numerous bilateral and multilateral exercises, high-level visits, professional exchanges, and the cross-attendance of courses and seminars. These mutually beneficial interactions have enhanced the professionalism of both armed forces, strengthened their interoperability, and forged strong camaraderie among their personnel.

Dr Ng is on a three-day visit to Munich to attend the MSC from 15 to 17 February 2019. He will be in Kiel on 18 February 2019 to officiate at the launch ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy's first Type 218SG submarine.

¹  All times are in Singapore time.

²  Held annually in Germany since 1963, the MSC is a high-level security conference that brings together key foreign affairs and defence leaders from around the world. This will be the eighth time that Dr Ng is attending the MSC.