LG Ma called on Defence Minister Teo Cheee Hean on Friday and co-chaired the second Singapore-China Defence Policy Dialogue with Permanent Secretary (Defence) Chiang Chie Foo.

During the policy dialogue, both countries discussed issues of mutual interest such as the regional security situation, maritime security, energy security as well as bilateral defence exchanges.

According to a Ministry of Defence statement on Saturday, Singapore-China Defence Policy Dialogue was inaugurated and institutionalised with the signing of the Agreement on Defence Exchanges and Security Cooperation by both countries in January 2008.

While in Singapore, LG Ma also visited the Tuas Naval Base, 2nd People's Defence Force and the RSAF's 203 Squadron.

'LG Ma's visit underscores the growing defence ties between Singapore and China,' said Mindef.