Article Posted on : - Jun 03, 2011

US Secretary of Defence, Robert Gates (L) and Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen. Photo: Singapore MoD.

SINGAPORE (BNS): US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates and Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen have reaffirmed the excellent and longstanding bilateral defence relationship between the two countries on Thursday.

Both ministers welcomed the substantial progress made in deepening bilateral defence cooperation since the signing of the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) in 2005, which underscores both countries' shared belief that a strong US presence in the region has enhanced regional peace and stability. A further strengthening of the bilateral defence cooperation is in line with the spirit and vision of the SFA.

According to the Singapore MoD, they supported the US' continued engagement in the region, and the need for both sides to continue working together to address transnational security threats and enhance regional security.

Both nations agreed to work towards more tangible cooperation at the operational level, including through expanded training, improved command and control capabilities, and deployment opportunities.