Singapore, US reaffirm bilateral military ties
Thursday, Apr 05, 2012
Singapore and the United States reaffirmed bilateral defence long-standing and excellent bilateral relations between the two countries when Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen visited the Pentagon in Washinton D.C today.
Dr Ng was met with his counterpart US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin E. Dempsey who was also present at the meeting.
During the meeting, Secretary Panetta and Dr Ng discussed key bilateral, regional and global issues, and reaffirmed their shared belief that a strong US presence in the Asia-Pacific enhances regional stability and security.
Dr Ng also welcomed Secretary Panetta’s commitment to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue this year.
In a speech delivered earlier today, Dr Ng emphasised the importance of evolving a regional security architecture for the Asia-Pacific region that brings together all key stakeholders in the region, and accommodates their interests and aspirations. Stable military to military relationships were also needed to maintain peace in the region.
Dr Ng said, “It is vital to evolve a regional security architecture which accommodates all stakeholders and rising aspirations. Relationships marked predominantly by strategic rivalry will increase the risks of friction and conflict. We must therefore engage in ways to increase understanding and confidence among defence establishments.”
Dr Ng also noted the importance of the US’ continuing role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific.
During the meeting, Secretary Panetta and Dr Ng discussed a wide range of defence and security issues, including a proposal for the US to deploy up to four littoral combat ships to Singapore.
The warships will be deployed on a rotational basis and will not be based in Singapore.
The ministers noted that the deployment of the warships signals US commitment to the region and enhances its ability to train and engage with regional partners.
Both sides also noted the substantial progress made in deepening bilateral defence cooperation since the signing of the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) in 2005.
Dr Ng and Mr Panetta also agreed to increase the complexity of existing bilateral exercises, such as Exercise Commando Sling, to enhance interoperability and promote greater cooperation between both armed forces.
During a forum, Dr Ng was asked if Singapore is considering plans to host troops from the United States even as the first batch of US Marines began arriving in Australia this week as part of the Obama administration's strategic 'pivot' to the Asia Pacific.
Dr Ng said Singapore in not considering such a deployment of troops from the US, explaining that Singapore's scarce land resources and growing population made it ill-suited for such initiatives.
However, it would be a better option to give US military ships and aircrafts access to Singapore's facilities, which the Republic has done since 1990 when it signed a memorandum of understanding with the US.
The US and Singapore will continue to explore additional joint initiatives to further operationalise the SFA and facilitate US engagement in the region.
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