Ng Eng Hen and James Mattis affirm Singapore-US defence ties on the sidelines of Shangri-La Dialogue
SINGAPORE - Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and US Defence Secretary James Mattis discussed the threat of extremism and terrorism in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Sulu Sea and the Southern Philippines, during a breakfast meeting on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday (June 3).
They also acknowledged the importance of the US' continued presence in the Asia-Pacific in ensuring peace and stability, a statement from the Defence Ministry said.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and the US, the statement added.
Dr Ng and Mr Mattis also discussed a range of security issues, and areas for cooperation to foster regional stability.
They reaffirmed the significance of the 2015 enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement, which deepened bilateral cooperation in non-conventional security areas such as maritime security, cyber security and biosecurity.
This is Mr Mattis' first visit to South-east Asia as Defence Secretary.
He is joined by a delegation of senior US officials, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford and Commander of the US Pacific Command Admiral Harry Harris.
A congressional delegation, led by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Representative Mac Thornberry, is also attending the dialogue, which started on Friday and ends on Sunday.
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