Singapore and the US Strengthen Defence Relations through Strategic Security Policy Dialogue

During the dialogue, Mr Chan and Dr Anderson reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relationship. They discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation under the ambit of the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding Regarding United States Use of Facilities in Singapore, as well as in defence technology and non-conventional security domains like counter-terrorism. Both sides also exchanged views on regional developments and security cooperation under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus framework and reaffirmed the importance of the US’ continued engagement of the region.

As part of his visit, Dr Anderson called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong today, prior to the SSPD. Earlier today, he also visited RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base, and Sembawang Air Base where he took a familiarisation flight onboard a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Super Puma helicopter.

In addition to high-level dialogues like the SSPD, Singapore and the US interact regularly through military-to-military exchanges, training and cross-attendance of courses, and defence technology cooperation. The US has also provided long-standing support for the Singapore Armed Forces’ overseas training in the US, most recently with the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2019 by Dr Ng and US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper concerning the establishment of an RSAF Training Detachment in Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Relevant health checks and safety measures were taken by the visiting delegation.

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