The Chief of Army of the Australian Defence Force Lieutenant General (LTGEN) Richard Burr called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the deepening relationship between the two armies. Dr Ng and LTGEN Burr welcomed the steady progress made in the joint development of training areas and advanced training facilities in Queensland, under the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They also exchanged views on regional security matters such as the need to enhance regional counter-terrorism cooperation, and the importance of multilateral platforms such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements.

LTGEN Burr, who is in Singapore for his introductory visit from 5 to 7 September 2019, also called on Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong and Chief of Army Major-General Goh Si Hou after reviewing a Guard of Honour at MINDEF.

LTGEN Burr's visit underscores the close and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Australia. Both armies interact regularly through bilateral exercises such as Exercise Matilda and Exercise Trident, professional exchanges, cross-attendance of professional courses and joint operational deployments.