Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin calls on Ng Eng Hen

SINGAPORE — Malaysian Minister for Defence Hishammuddin Hussein called on Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen this morning (March 2), announced the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) in a press release.

They signed a Letter of Intent to enhance cooperation between both defence establishments, and to reaffirm both countries’ commitment to multilateral frameworks - such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus.

The Letter of Intent also demonstrates both defence establishments’ commitment to cooperate in maritime security. According to MINDEF, both countries affirmed support for Malaysia’s proposal to enhance naval cooperation by coordinating maritime patrols within each country’s territorial waters.

Mr Hishammuddin, who is in Singapore for an introductory visit from March 1 to 2, inspected a Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence today as well. Mr Hishammuddin also called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana, and will call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean at the Ministry of Home Affairs, MINDEF said. He also toured Headquarters 3rd Singapore Division.

Both Defence Ministers also released a Joint Statement to further affirm close cooperation between both militaries in non-traditional security areas, military-to-military exchanges to address regional security concerns and the value of the Malacca Strait Patrol in enhancing the security of the Straits of Malaysia and Singapore.

The Singapore Armed Forces and Malaysian Armed Forces share a long history of mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as cooperation at multilateral fora such as the FPDA, ADMM and ADMM-Plus, the release said. The two armed forces interact regularly through bilateral and multilateral exercises, visits, professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses. These interactions have contributed towards deepening mutual understanding between officers and men from both armed forces, MINDEF added. CHANNEL NEWSASIA