Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen today met his newly-appointed Malaysian counterpart Mohamad Sabu on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) in their first official meeting.

This is Mohamad’s inaugural visit to Singapore as defence minister.

According to a statement by the Singapore Defence Ministry, during their meeting, Ng and Mohamad affirmed the warm and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia.

They noted the good progress made in bilateral defence relations, such as the recent conduct of a new bilateral exercise between the two Air Forces.

In addition, Ng and Mohamad affirmed both countries’ cooperation in various regional multilateral platforms, such as the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus, and the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).

They also discussed regional challenges, such as the situation in the Rakhine State, said the statement.

Singapore and Malaysia’s defence establishments interact regularly across a wide range of activities, which includes bilateral exercises, visits and exchanges, cross-attendance of courses, as well as multilateral activities.

These regular interactions strengthen mutual understanding and professional ties among the personnel of both defence establishments, and underscore the warm and long-standing defence ties between both countries, the statement added.

Mohamad is visiting Singapore for three days from June 1 to attend the 17th SLD.

As part of his visit, he also called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean.

He also met the FPDA Defence Ministers at an informal breakfast hosted by Ng.

Mohamad is also scheduled to meet US Defence Secretary James Mattis and will return to Malaysia today.  

- Bernama