US defence chief Hegseth meets Singapore PM Wong, reaffirms strong defence ties
United States Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth reaffirmed strong defence ties with Singapore during a meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Friday, as both leaders underscored their shared commitment to regional peace and stability amid mounting geopolitical challenges.
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The meeting marked the first by a Cabinet official from the current US administration to call on Wong since he assumed office. According to Singapore's Ministry of Defence, the two 'reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relations' between their countries and exchanged views on regional security developments.
Hegseth also reiterated Washington's support for the Singapore Armed Forces' training in the US, while Wong emphasised Singapore's consistent backing of America's military presence in the Asia-Pacific.
Earlier in the day, Hegseth met Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing on the sidelines of the
Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD), where both ministers reaffirmed the bilateral defence partnership and discussed ways to deepen cooperation.
Singapore's Minister of Defence Chan Chun Sing meeting US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue, in Singapore on Friday. Photo: MINDEF
Chan, attending the regional security summit for the first time as defence minister, later said in a statement that continued US engagement was 'vital for regional peace, stability and prosperity'.
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