Australian Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne is in Singapore for his introductory visit from 26 to 28 January 2019. Mr Pyne called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence this morning after reviewing a Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence. 

During the meeting, Dr Ng and Mr Pyne reaffirmed the close and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Australia and both countries' deepening defence cooperation under the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Ministers welcomed the steady progress made in the joint development of training areas and advanced training facilities in Queensland, which will benefit both the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). 

In addition, the Ministers discussed regional and international security developments, including the need to enhance regional counter-terrorism cooperation. They reaffirmed the value of key security platforms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus and the Five Power Defence Arrangements in addressing contemporary security challenges. 

As part of his visit, Mr Pyne also called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana in the afternoon. Earlier this morning, Mr Pyne delivered the keynote address at the 7th International Institute of Strategic Studies Fullerton Forum: Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting.

Mr Pyne's visit underscores the close and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Australia. The SAF and the ADF share a long history of military cooperation, with extensive interactions that include bilateral and multilateral training exercises, visits, professional exchanges and joint operational deployments.