Singapore’s Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen participates in the 17th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting, emphasizing commitment to regional defense cooperation.

Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, attended the 17th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) held in Jakarta, Indonesia, today. During the meeting, the ASEAN Defence Ministers adopted the Jakarta Joint Declaration of the ADMM for Peace, Prosperity, and Security. This declaration reinforces the ADMM’s dedication to enhancing defense cooperation among ASEAN Member States and Plus countries to address regional security challenges while upholding ASEAN centrality and unity. The Joint Declaration highlights the significance of upholding international law and fostering confidence-building measures to maintain regional peace and stability.

In addition to the Joint Declaration, the Ministers adopted the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Observer Status Granted to Timor-Leste in ADMM and ADMM-Plus. This initiative, co-sponsored by Indonesia and Singapore, allows Timor-Leste’s participation in ADMM and ADMM-Plus meetings and activities. The meeting also commended Indonesia’s ADMM Chairmanship, discussed progress in defense cooperation, and exchanged views on the regional and global security architecture, as well as future areas of cooperation for the ADMM.

On the sidelines of the 17th ADMM, the ASEAN-US Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting took place, where US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reiterated the US’ strong support and commitment to the region. Discussions included ways to strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and the US on defense capacity-building through training and education. The ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting was also conducted, addressing regional and international security architecture and ASEAN-Japan’s new and expanded defense cooperation under the Vientiane Vision 2.0.

Furthermore, Dr Ng engaged in bilateral meetings, reaffirming warm and friendly defense ties with Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., Laos Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence General Chansamone Chanyalath, and Malaysian Minister of Defence Dato’ Seri Mohamad Hasan. These meetings involved discussions on deepening defense cooperation and perspectives on regional security developments.

Dr Ng is scheduled to attend the 10th ADMM-Plus tomorrow, joined by Defence Ministers and representatives from Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the US.

Source – MINDEF