General Brawner Jr. engages in discussions with Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How and Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, strengthening bilateral defense ties between the Philippines and Singapore.
In a diplomatic move aimed at reinforcing the longstanding defense relations between the Philippines and Singapore, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. met with Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Defence Mr. Heng Chee How at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on April 18, 2024. During the meeting, both officials reaffirmed the warm bilateral defense relations between the two nations and exchanged perspectives on significant global and regional developments.
SMS Heng expressed appreciation for the consistent interactions between the two countries, including visits, professional exchanges, multilateral meetings, and joint exercises, emphasizing their role in enhancing professionalism and mutual understanding among personnel from both armed forces.
Following the courtesy call on SMS Heng, General Brawner proceeded to meet with Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng, after inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF. During his visit, he also toured the Counter-Terrorism Information Facility and the ADMM Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence at Changi Naval Base.
General Brawner’s visit to Singapore holds historical significance as it marks the first introductory visit by an AFP Chief of Staff to the country, upon the invitation of his Singaporean counterpart, VADM Beng. The visit coincides with the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Singapore this year.
Accompanying General Brawner in the courtesy call on SMS Heng were Philippine Embassy Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Emmanuel R. Fernandez, along with other high-ranking Philippine military and embassy officials.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
