International forums or dialogues must deliver real results to remain credible, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Monday.

He was speaking at the first Fullerton Forum: The Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting which is aimed at laying the groundwork for top defence official and military brass attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in June.

In his speech to about 60 security and defence officials, he added that countries must respect the rule of international law to resolve disputes and countries whether big or small should have a say during groupings and multi-lateral platforms.

Relooking the ways in which countries now engage with each other will help to respond to the existing and looming threats that can rock the stability in the region, Dr Ng said. These threats include the current tensions in the South China Sea, East China Sea and the Korean Peninsula.