Latest news with #Mindef
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
MSIA PUSHES FOR DEEPER DEFENCE TIES AT REGIONAL SECURITY SUMMIT
Mohamed Khaled in conversation with Hegseth at the 22nd Asia Security Summit: IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. DEFENCE Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin led the Defence Ministry (Mindef) delegation to the 22nd Asia Security Summit: The International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue (IISS SLD 2025), held from May 30 to June 1 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore. The annual forum, organised by International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) since 2002, brought together defence ministers, senior military officers and top government officials from across Asia-Pacific and Europe. As part of his working visit, Mohamed Khaled took part in multilateral meetings with Asean Defence Ministers, Timor-Leste and the United States (US) Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. He also met with counterparts from the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) — Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom — to reaffirm Malaysia's commitment to the long-standing defence pact that has spanned over five decades. In line with Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship in 2025, Mohamed Khaled also used the platform to discuss regional security concerns, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, and ways to strengthen defence cooperation between Asean countries and the US. He stressed the need for all parties to uphold Asean's core principles to safeguard the region's security, sovereignty and stability, especially in light of ongoing challenges in Myanmar and the South China Sea. He reiterated that any regional approach should remain Asean-led and Asean-driven. During a bilateral meeting with Singapore's newly appointed Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, Mohamed Khaled expressed hope for closer cooperation to ensure the region remains free, stable and secure. On the second day of the summit, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered a special address where he outlined strategies from South-East Asia to promote regional cooperation, build economic resilience and safeguard autonomy amid growing global tensions. Touching on regional security, Anwar pointed to Asean's continued efforts to address the Myanmar crisis and navigate the South China Sea issue carefully. Malaysia, he said, remains firmly non-aligned – advocating for justice and inclusivity while rejecting bloc politics and spheres of influence. Mohamed Khaled later joined Anwar in a meeting with Hegseth and also received a courtesy call from Boeing Global president Dr Brendan Nelson. The meeting with the US Defence Secretary reflected the strong bilateral ties between both countries, particularly in the defence sector. Meanwhile, Nelson's visit underscored Malaysia's relevance as a strategic partner for multinational players — a sign that could open the door to future industrial collaborations, especially in support of Malaysia's defence industry. Throughout the summit, Mohamed Khaled also held bilateral discussions with several defence leaders including Sweden's Defence Minister Dr Pal Jonson, France's Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu, Japan's Defence Minister Gen Nakatani and Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. These meetings reinforced shared commitments to deepening defence ties across various domains. Mohamed Khaled's participation at SLD 2025 reflects Malaysia's continued efforts to strengthen international defence partnerships — a key component of the Third Pillar of the National Defence Strategy, which focuses on credible partnerships to uphold national sovereignty, regional stability and global peace. He was accompanied by Mindef deputy sec-general (policy) Mohd Yani Daud, Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (Midas) chief executive Lt Gen Datuk Seri Muhammad Huzaimi Sabri and Malaysian Armed Forces assistant chief of staff for defence training operations Maj Gen Datuk Indera Zahari Mohd Ariffin. Accompanying Mohamed Khaled on this official visit were Defence Ministry deputy sec-gen (policy) Mohd Yani Daud, Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (Midas) chief executive Lieutenant General Datuk Seri Muhammad Huzaimi Sabri and Malaysian Armed Forces assistant chief of staff for defence training operations Maj Gen Datuk Indera Zahari Mohd Ariffin.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Australia DPM meets Singapore leaders, reaffirms defence relationship with Singapore
Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing and Australia DPM and Defence Minister Richard Marles reaffirmed Australia's long-standing bilateral defence relationship with Singapore at the June 1 meeting. PHOTO: FACEBOOK/CHAN CHUN SING SINGAPORE — Australia Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles met with Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing on June 1. Mr Marles, who was in town for the Shangri-La Dialogue, also called on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during his visit. At their dinner meeting, Mr Chan and Marles reaffirmed Singapore and Australia's close and long-standing bilateral defence relationship, which extends to the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus and Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), Mindef said in a statement. The two leaders also looked forward to strengthening defence cooperation under the next phase of their countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). These include areas such as support for expanded access to facilities in each other's country, and deeper cooperation in defence science and technology, as well as defence logistics and supply chains. Singapore and Australia said previously that they intend to sign an ambitious and wide-ranging new CSP in 2025, when the two countries celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations. The new agreement would build on a 'great track record' of cooperation achieved since the first CSP was signed in 2015, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said in Dec 2024 at the 14th Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee meeting here. The ADMM-Plus, which had been meeting annually since 2017, is a platform for Asean and its eight dialogue partners – Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States – to strengthen security and defence cooperation in the region. The FPDA is an arrangement among Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom, which first took form in 1971 to safeguard the external defence of Singapore and Malaysia, amid the withdrawal of British forces from Singapore. At their June 1 meeting, Mr Chan further expressed appreciation for Australia's support for the joint development of training areas in Australia, which will benefit both armed forces through an increase in training capacity and more sophisticated training opportunities. Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel will have access to training areas in Australia that are approximately 10 times the size of the city-state by 2028, when the expanded Shoalwater Bay Training Area and the new Greenvale Training Area in Queensland are completed, the SAF said previously. Mr Marles was in Singapore with a delegation of senior Australian officials, including Admiral David Johnston, Australia's chief of defence force, and Mr Greg Moriarty, who is secretary of its Department of Defence. Earlier in the day, Mr Chan also hosted a ministerial roundtable, and met with Sweden Minister for Defence Pål Jonson, and Indian Armed Forces Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. The 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue was attended by more than 40 minister-level representatives, and another 40-plus chiefs of defence forces and senior defence officials from 47 countries. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Chan Chun Sing meets Timor-Leste president, foreign defence leaders
SINGAPORE – Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing met several of his counterparts on the sidelines of the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue on May 30, and reaffirmed Singapore's friendly bilateral defence ties with their countries, the Ministry of Defence said. The minister called on Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta, and they exchanged views on regional security developments and ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, said Mindef. Mr Chan also met Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and both ministers reaffirmed the warm and longstanding bilateral relationship. They discussed regional security issues and cooperation between their countries in multilateral platforms such as the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), ADMM-Plus and the Five Power Defence Arrangements. 'Singapore and Malaysia's defence establishments interact regularly across a wide range of activities, including bilateral and multilateral exercises, visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses,' said Mindef. 'These interactions strengthen mutual understanding and professional ties.' In a meeting Mr Chan had with Brunei's Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Defence II Haji Awang Halbi Haji Mohd Yussof, they discussed bilateral cooperation as well as engagement through multilateral platforms such as the ADMM and ADMM-Plus. Singapore's and Brunei's militaries have regular interactions through high-level visits, professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses and bilateral exercises, which strengthen ties and enhance professionalism, said Mindef. Both countries will mark the 50th anniversary of defence relations in 2026. Mr Chan also met Philippine Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro Jr, and they expressed their commitment to continue working together through the ADMM and ADMM-Plus meetings. They also discussed avenues to further defence cooperation between their countries. In addition, Mr Chan met French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu. Mr Chan expressed appreciation for France's support for the Republic of Singapore Air Force training at Cazaux Air Base since 1998. Both ministers also exchanged views on security priorities and geopolitical developments, said Mindef. The two defence ministers had earlier on May 30 signed three agreements to expand cooperation between Singapore and France in emerging and advanced areas of defence technology, such as quantum and artificial intelligence. The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and French President Emmanuel Macron, who is on a state visit to Singapore. The state visit comes as Singapore and France mark 60 years of diplomatic relations. During the visit, PM Wong and Mr Macron upgraded bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Republic's first with a European country. Mr Chan's meetings took place at the Shangri-La Hotel, where regional and global defence leaders have gathered for the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier security summit. The dialogue, being held from May 30 to June 1, brings together defence ministers, military chiefs and security experts from around the world to discuss key security issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore and France expand defence cooperation with three new agreements
Singapore and France expand defence cooperation with three new agreements SINGAPORE – Singapore and France have signed three defence agreements to deepen cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced defence technologies. They were sealed during French President Emmanuel Macron's s tate v isit to Singapore on May 30, in conjunction with the two countries upgrading their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). The three agreements are : a Declaration of Intent (DOI) on Enhanced Defence Cooperation, a Letter of Intent (LOI) on Defence Artificial Intelligence Cooperation, and an amendment to the existing Administrative Arrangement on Defence Technology Cooperation (AADTC). The DOI sets out the two countries' commitment to deepen and expand their defence relationship across multiple domains of mutual interest and shared expertise, including in digital defence. It also forms the foundation for both sides to explore new areas of collaboration, such as in critical and emerging technologies, while recognising the support both countries have provided for each other's military activities, said Mindef in a statement. The LOI aims to expand the work of a joint laboratory that Singapore and France set up in April 2023. The laboratory, which focuses on the use of AI in military applications, exemplifies both sides' shared goal of involving operational users and industry partners to co-develop solutions to meet battlefield needs and emerging security threats. Mindef said use cases that both sides have identified include data analysis, countering misinformation and disinformation, autonomous systems, and checking that AI systems work as intended and are safe to use. The final agreement updates a longstanding framework that both sides use to work on the research and development of emerging and advanced areas of defence technology. The original AADTC was signed in November 2003 and last updated in April 2016. The latest agreement adds new areas for cooperation, including in quantum, microelectronics and supply chain resilience, said Mindef. The signings, by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing and French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, were witnessed by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and President Macron. The defence agreements are part of a broader effort by the two countries to strengthen mutual cooperation as part of their upgraded partnership . The CSP upgrade, announced during President Macron's visit, aims to build cooperation in other areas as well, such as education , digital policy and green energy. The CSP is Singapore's first with a European country, following similar arrangements with Australia and Vietnam. At a press conference during the visit, PM Wong said defence has always been a 'pillar' of the relationship between the two countries, and that it will be buttressed going forward. 'Under the new partnership, we will enhance cooperation in other areas, including deployment of defence technology and critical and emerging technologies,' he said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth meets Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing
Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing (left) showed US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth a view of Singapore from the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark as they met for a breakfast meeting on May 30. PHOTO: CHAN CHUN SING/FACEBOOK SINGAPORE – US defence secretary Pete Hegseth met with Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing on May 30, on the sidelines of the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue. At their breakfast meeting, Mr Chan and Mr Hegseth reaffirmed the excellent and longstanding bilateral defence relationship, and the mutually beneficial partnership between Singapore and the United States, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said in a statement. This partnership is anchored by a 1990 memorandum of understanding (MOU) that allows US military access to Singapore's air and naval bases. The MOU was last renewed in 2019 between then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and US President Donald Trump. The two leaders also agreed on the the importance of the US' continued engagement in the Asia-Pacific, which is vital for regional peace, stability and prosperity, said Mindef. At the meeting, Mr Hegseth said he appreciated Singapore's consistent support for US military presence in and engagement of the region, which includes the city-state's facilitation of rotations by US aircraft and vessels via rotational deployments, port calls, and aircraft stopovers. Mr Chan, in turn, expressed appreciation for the longstanding support of the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) training in the US, and for providing the SAF with technology access, which includes the Republic of Singapore Air Force's acquisition and operationalisation of F-35 fighter jets, Mindef added. This is the first time the duo has met. Mr Chan relinquished the education portfolio to become Singapore's Defence Minister on May 23. Mr Hegseth, a former Fox News host and a veteran of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, took office in January under US President Donald Trump's second administration. In a Facebook post after their meeting, Mr Chan said he showed Mr Hegseth the view of the Republic from the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark. He added that both of them had been alumni of Fort Benning, a US Army post in Columbus, Georgia. Mr Chan, a former Army chief, said previously that his first visit to the US was to Fort Benning, while Mr Hegseth completed his basic military training at the army base. 'We had a good meeting where we discussed geopolitical developments and reiterated our shared commitment to regional peace, stability and prosperity,' said Mr Chan. 'We also reminisced about our time as infantry officers in our respective armies, including our memories of Fort Benning. I thanked him for the US' strong support for generations of SAF personnel training in the US.' Mr Hegseth is set to speak at the Shangri-La Dialogue's first plenary session on May 31, titled 'United States' New Ambitions for Indo-Pacific Security'. The annual dialogue, Asia's premier defence summit to discuss critical security challenges in the region, is set to be attended by representatives from 47 countries, including 40 minister-level delegates. Wong Pei Ting is a correspondent at The Straits Times. She covers politics and social affairs. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
