Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Malaysian Senior Minister (Security Cluster) and Minister of Defence Ismail Sabri Yaakob spoke over the phone earlier today.

Dr Ng thanked Minister Ismail Sabri for his strong support for the Shangri-La Dialogue 2021 (SLD21) even though it could not be held this year, and expressed regret that Minister Ismail Sabri was not able to conduct his introductory visit in person as planned. Dr Ng invited Minister Ismail Sabri to make his introductory visit to Singapore once the COVID-19 situation improves and stabilises. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and engagement to ensure peace and stability in the region, and to strengthen bilateral cooperation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. They exchanged views on the COVID-19 situation in both countries, discussed ways to support each other and expressed their support and best wishes for both countries amidst these challenging and uncertain times.

Dr Ng's call with Minister Ismail Sabri highlights the warm and longstanding bilateral defence ties between Singapore and Malaysia. Singapore's and Malaysia's defence establishments interact regularly across a wide range of activities, such as visits and exchanges, exercises and cross-attendance of courses. These interactions strengthen mutual understanding and professional ties among the personnel of both defence establishments.