Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles is in Singapore to attend the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD). Mr Marles called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 10 June at the Istana, and met Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen this evening.

Both Ministers reaffirmed the close and long-standing bilateral defence relationship and discussed enhancing cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both sides expressed continued emphasis on the joint development of training areas and advanced training facilities in Queensland, Australia. These facilities being developed under the 2020 Treaty on Military Training and Training Area Development will benefit both Armed Forces, through an increase in training capacity and more sophisticated training opportunities.

The Ministers also exchanged views on regional and international security issues of mutual interest, and reaffirmed their commitment to cooperating closely under the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus and the Five Power Defence Arrangements to address these challenges.

Mr Marles is in Singapore with a delegation of senior Australian officials, including Australian Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell and Secretary of the Department of Defence Greg Moriarty.