FPDA naval chiefs reaffirm commitment to grouping at IMDEX Asia

The Naval Chiefs of the FPDA member-nations jointly calling on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Changi Exhibition Centre. PHOTO: MINDEF

SINGAPORE - The naval chiefs of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) member countries called on Singapore's defence minister Ng Eng Hen on Tuesday (May 16), as they reaffirmed their commitment to the grouping.

Vice-Admiral Timothy Barrett from the Royal Australian Navy, Admiral (ADM) Ahmad Kamarulzaman Badaruddin from the Royal Malaysian Navy, Rear Admiral (RADM) John Martin from the Royal New Zealand Navy, RADM Lai Chung Han from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) as well as ADM Sir Philip Jones from the Royal Navy jointly met Dr Ng at the Changi Exhibition Centre.

The naval chiefs also met on the sidelines of the 11th International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) Asia to reaffirm their commitment to the FPDA.

Singapore's Ministry of Defence said in a release on Tuesday that "the FPDA has been an integral part of an open and inclusive regional security architecture for the past 46 years".

This includes capacity building in maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in the region.

"The regular conduct of FPDA exercises allows member nations to share professional knowledge, build interoperability and enhance regional cooperation," the spokesman said.

"As a multilateral platform, the FPDA has benefitted member nations beyond the FPDA context, and contributed significantly to the regional stability, peace and security."

The naval chiefs are in Singapore this week for the RSN's Golden Jubilee celebrations, which is hosted by RADM Lai.

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