Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met today with the Singapore Minister of Defense, Dr. Ng Eng Hen, on the margins of the International Institute for Strategic Studies' 20th Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue.
During their meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their mutual commitment to advance the U.S.-Singapore defense relationship and discussed efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including ongoing efforts to expand joint training, building on the robust schedule of annual bilateral exercises including Pacific Griffin, Commando Sling, and Tiger Balm. Both sides welcomed Singapore's decision to acquire additional F-35B aircraft and committed to further enhance high-end training and interoperability between their Armed Forces.
Secretary Austin and Minister Ng discussed opportunities to expand bilateral force posture opportunities to support deeper interoperability and to address shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders reaffirmed their abiding commitment to uphold the rules-based international order—including respect for territorial sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and the rule of law—across the Indo-Pacific.
They also reiterated unwavering support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) unity and centrality, and its crucial role in contributing to regional stability and building consensus and practical regional cooperation, including through the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus.
Secretary Austin and Minister Ng closed the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to building an even more capable defense partnership grounded in common principles and their enduring commitment to a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
