Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen spoke with Indonesia Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto over the phone earlier today.

Dr Ng and Minister Prabowo reaffirmed the close and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Indonesia. Dr Ng thanked Minister Prabowo for his strong support for the Shangri-La Dialogue even though it could not be held this year, and invited Minister Prabowo to visit Singapore when the regional COVID-19 situation improves. The Ministers also exchanged views on regional security challenges and discussed ways to support each other and strengthen bilateral defence cooperation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, in areas such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maritime security. Dr Ng and Minister Prabowo both looked forward to meeting at the upcoming ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus, which will be held virtually later this month.

Singapore and Indonesia share close and long-standing ties. Both defence establishments have enjoyed decades of close friendship and continue to deepen their cooperation to tackle common regional security challenges. The Singapore Armed Forces and the Indonesian Armed Forces interact regularly through exercises, visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses across the three Services and at all levels. These interactions serve to build mutual understanding and enhance the interoperability and camaraderie between the two militaries and defence establishments.