Collaboration in Defence Hits New Milestones as Singapore and Australia Enhance Bilateral Relations
Singapore, 3 December 2024 – Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen met with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles during the 14th Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee (SAJMC) meeting. The discussions marked a new chapter in the nations’ enduring defence partnership, reflecting significant progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) framework.
During the meeting, both Ministers celebrated milestones in bilateral defence cooperation. Notably, the expansion of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) in Queensland, Australia, was completed this year ahead of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) 35th anniversary of training at the facility in 2025. The SWBTA project, a cornerstone of the 2020 Treaty on Military Training and Training Area Development, underscores the deep and mutually beneficial defence ties between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The Ministers expressed optimism about CSP 2.0, which aims to elevate collaboration to unprecedented levels. Dr Ng remarked, “If the defence relationship outlined by CSP 2.0 is realised, it will result in Australia being one of our closest and most valuable defence partners, and hopefully us to them.”
Beyond defence cooperation, both leaders exchanged views on global and regional security developments. They reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively through platforms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus and the Five Power Defence Arrangements to promote regional peace and stability.
Also present at the 14th SAJMC were Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, and their Australian counterparts.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Marles inspected the Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), symbolising the enduring camaraderie between the two nations.
Source: MINDEF
