BRISBANE - SINGAPORE Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean on Friday reaffirmed the Republic's close defence ties with Australia during a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

Mr Teo conveyed Singapore's gratitude for Australia's provision of training areas to the Singapore Armed Forces, said a statement from Singapore's Ministry of Defence.

Mr Rudd also expressed support for new areas of defence cooperation between the two countries.

Mr Teo arrived in Australia on Thursday on a four-day visit as part of regular ministerial exchanges between the two sides.