Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted a United States (US) congressional delegation from the House Committee on Appropriations, led by Chairwoman of the Sub-Committee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, to tea this morning. The congressional delegation also included Ed Case (D-Hawaii), John Rutherford (R-Florida), Matt Cartwright (D-Pennsylvania), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-New Jersey) and Brenda Lawrence (D-Michigan).

During the session, Dr Ng and the congressional delegation affirmed the excellent and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and the US. Dr Ng expressed appreciation for the US' continued support for the Singapore Armed Forces' training in the US, while the congressional delegation expressed appreciation for Singapore's long-standing support for the US' regional presence. Both sides discussed a wide range of geopolitical developments, including regional security challenges. Dr Ng also highlighted the importance of the US' continued holistic engagement of the Asia-Pacific, through both the economic and security channels.

The congressional delegation is visiting Singapore from 22 to 25 April 2019. As part of the visit, the congressional delegation will be hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy to a tour of RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base later this afternoon.