Secretary of Defense Austin Welcomes Singaporean Counterpart to Pentagon, Reinforcing Strong Bilateral Defense Ties
Washington D.C. – On December 5, 2023, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Ng Eng Hen, at the Pentagon. The meeting served as a significant opportunity to reaffirm and further strengthen the robust and long-standing defense relationship between the United States and Singapore.
The discussions between Secretary Austin and Minister Ng highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to maintaining peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The leaders exchanged views on a wide range of strategic issues, including regional security challenges, opportunities for enhanced cooperation, and the importance of a rules-based international order.
Secretary Austin expressed his deep appreciation for Singapore’s role as a key security partner and its consistent contributions to regional security initiatives. He underscored the value of Singapore’s strategic location and its active participation in multilateral forums, which are crucial for addressing complex security dynamics. The Secretary also emphasized the enduring strength of the U.S.-Singapore defense relationship, which is built on decades of trust, shared values, and mutual respect.
Minister Ng reiterated Singapore’s dedication to a strong and stable Indo-Pacific and acknowledged the vital role of the U.S. in the region’s security architecture. He highlighted Singapore’s commitment to working collaboratively with the United States on a variety of defense matters, including counter-terrorism, maritime security, and capacity building for regional partners. Both leaders recognized the ongoing importance of interoperability and joint exercises in enhancing the capabilities of their respective armed forces.
The meeting also provided a platform to discuss avenues for deepening cooperation in areas such as defense technology, cybersecurity, and sustainable defense capabilities. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding these collaborative efforts to address emerging threats and ensure the continued effectiveness of their defense partnerships.
The visit underscores the deep and multifaceted nature of the U.S.-Singapore defense relationship, which continues to be a cornerstone of regional security. The productive discussions held at the Pentagon reflect a shared vision for a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific and reinforce the commitment of both nations to working together to achieve these common objectives.
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Defense.gov published ‘Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Welcomes Singapore Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen to the Pentagon’ at 2023-12-05 21:21. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.